- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 3,226
I'll qualify this first. I love Fergie. An honest legend. I don't think another manager will replicate the successes he's had nor the longevity.
I wonder though if another manager (possibly Van Gaal) could improve upon SAF's record in Europe. And I wonder if another manager (possibly Van Gaal) can produce, season after season, a better brand of football.
The discussion on Keane prompted this. I genuinely think we failed to capitalise on our progression around '99 which Keane has spoken of quite a few times. Maybe we didn't have to, the Prem wasn't as competitive as it is now, we didn't have rivals of the same quality, but it showed in Europe. I remember SAF talking about Barca a few years ago as the benchmark. What we should aim for. But I cannot remember us ever being that dominant a team, home and in Europe, always going in as favorites, being relentless and merciless. Does Van Gaal have enough left of his career to revolutionise the club in this way (from the youths upwards)?
Discuss or ridicule.
I wonder though if another manager (possibly Van Gaal) could improve upon SAF's record in Europe. And I wonder if another manager (possibly Van Gaal) can produce, season after season, a better brand of football.
The discussion on Keane prompted this. I genuinely think we failed to capitalise on our progression around '99 which Keane has spoken of quite a few times. Maybe we didn't have to, the Prem wasn't as competitive as it is now, we didn't have rivals of the same quality, but it showed in Europe. I remember SAF talking about Barca a few years ago as the benchmark. What we should aim for. But I cannot remember us ever being that dominant a team, home and in Europe, always going in as favorites, being relentless and merciless. Does Van Gaal have enough left of his career to revolutionise the club in this way (from the youths upwards)?
Discuss or ridicule.