5 Positives Manchester United Can Take From The Guinness Cup Triumph

After their International Guinness Cup triumph, it seems Manchester United are back to their winning ways. Although, it is too early to jump onto too many conclusions but new manager Louis van Gaal has got a lot of positives to take home. The Dutch mastermind has led his new team to 5 successive pre season victories, which includes a 7-0 sauntering of LA Galaxy and a convincing 3-1 win over the reigning European Champions Real Madrid.

Many would argue that United claimed all these victories owing to the fact that the opposition’s fielded their fringe sides, but even United did the same. And others would say that a victory in an exhibition tournament doesn’t mean much, and they may be somewhat right in saying this. But the triumph has shown glimpses of the future and is seemingly a sign of things to come. There were a lot of positives to take from the ‘exhibition’ tournament which , experts and fans alike would take into account when the season will get under way in a small matter of 2 weeks.

So, here are some positives Louis van Gaal can draw from their exultation in the United States

The emergence of young Tyler Blackett

By the looks of things, this Manchester born defender is the one for the future. He was a vital cog in the wheel in Louis van Gaal’s system and by far, looked the most reliable defender for the Red Devils. When other senior defenders like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling struggled a wee bit here and there, the 20 year old defender had no problems whatsoever against any side United faced. Michael Keane floundered in dealing with Gareth Bale’s strength and utmost speed but this Manchester born lad was no way near to being beaten by the Welshman.

His physical strength hands him an outside advantage over burly forwards and is also a key part of his repertory. He has got a decent reading of the game and looked more congenial than others in the 3 man back wall. His versatility, was although not on show, but can be vital to his position in the first team squad. His sturdy performances at the back may well persuade LVG in not going for another central defender this summer.

United fit into the 3-5-2 formation

There were numerous doubts surrounding whether the new 3-5-2 formation would help United play as a unit. But these were vanquished when United routed LA Galaxy during van Gaal’s first game at the helm. Almost all the players settled into their respective positions as if they’ve been contesting there for a decade or so. The wing back position treated to be a problem by the fans but Louis van Gaal’s adeptness in dealing with such problems paid off as the Dutchman deployed Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw and Nani in those roles quite effectively. New signings Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw proved their mettle, although Shaw’s fitness was in question but considering his tender age, his showings were good enough. Both Rooney and Mata fitted into their preferred roles inch perfectly and both linked up well with each other and the entire unit.

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Rooney answers his critiques well, as usual

Manchester United fans are pretty used to and fond of seeing this happen time and time again. Whenever their talismanic forward Wayne Rooney comes under stern criticism off the pitch, he does his job to silence them on the pitch. Just when reports trickling in suggested that Rooney was losing his spark and he has played well past his peak, the 28 year old Englishman silenced them in his own fashion. Rooney scored in every game United contested and was rightly adjudged the MVP of the tournament. In Robin van Persie’s absence, Rooney played as an out and out striker up front and apart from scoring, he racked up assists as well. He once again proved that United fans deservedly label him as the White Pele and Wayne Rooney  is still counted among the best players in the world presently.

Ashley Young is becoming ‘younger’, Cleverley ‘clever’

The feel good factor seems to have transformed not only Wayne Rooney but also two of the most criticized Manchester United players. Both Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley, who were often rebuked for giving their best under David Moyes, have now turned into better players all of a sudden. The confidence and determination Louis van Gaal and his staff has instilled in the players and got  both of these going and the club is succeeding in getting the best out of them.

While Ashley Young set the States on fire with his performances, Tom Cleverley played the role of an ‘unsung hero’ of some sorts. His contributions did go unnoticed but his passing range and technique has clearly improved, as earlier we hardly saw Cleverley play a pass up front or deliver a long, searching ball to the accompanying forwards, but some glimpses of that were seen. Ashley Young was rather impressive in his new wing back role and adapted commendably well. His crossing has ameliorated drastically and his dribble speed and grit has also improved.

Manchester United are now Manchester ReUnited

Manchester United had subsided into Manchester ‘Divided’ when Louis van Gaal began assessing the ruins and carnage of David Moyes’ ‘error’. The divide  between the fans had demarcated the club into two conflicting halves and there were signs of tensions in the back ground as well. Van Gaal’s appointment has greeted by jubilation by United faithfuls and rightly so, the evidences were on show when his new team took to the pitch. It was almost as if old times had returned and that ‘Never Say Die’ spirit which was sorely  lacking under Moyes had fled back into the hearts and minds of the players.

The spirit of fighting with intent and determination has injected an unbeatable psyche within them. Tough and hard training goes a long way in shaping that spirit and the perfect combine of youth and experience meant that the team is United once again. The attacking minded football which Van Gaal professes helped Manchester United bounce back from the carnage of desolation and the will to fight and fight till the very end, which had hit rock bottom was finally back. As the club looks to bring back the title from the lower half of Manchester, these factors will play a significant role and a guiding role in doing so.