2. Van Gaal continues to frustrate fans with tactics
“I know in advance that when we play with four midfielders in a diamond that we create more chances.” Those were the words of Van Gaal after the game, when asked about his decision to switch to a traditional 4-4-2 in the second half. After not mustering a single shot on goal last weekend and a lacklustre showing in the first half, Van Gaal’s decision to abandon the back three paid dividends against QPR.
Amidst chants of “4-4-2” and “attack, attack, attack” from the visiting supporters, the Dutchman’s decision to switch made his side much more threatening going forward. Angel Di Maria, who until then, was playing as a striker, was given the license to play behind Wilson and Falcao and that freedom made him much more threatening. While that tactical switch was certainly great to see, it begs the question, why didn’t he start with it in the first place? And why did he decide to play Di Maria as a striker, when he had Wilson on the bench? The Dutchman’s explanation that his side lacked balance when playing a diamond in midfield, was the sign of a man desperately trying to cling onto his methods, whilst being fully aware of the fact that he is wrong.