Van Gaal steps into Fergie's kicking shoes
Van Gaal is showing his iron fist at United, just like Ferguson did
The pleasantries of Louis van Gaal's Manchester United reign are over.
Phase two of the Dutchman's tenure begins with more than an air of familiarity.
Meet the new Red Devils boss - the same as the old boss.
Amid the soul-searching that took place in the months that followed Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, the desperation to consolidate the club's winning habit by reproducing the Scot's ruthlessness was a key factor in the Old Trafford succession plans.
It was that desperation which led them to misguidedly crown David Moyes as "The Chosen One".
Van Gaal may not have been hand-picked by Ferguson (left, inset) but this summer's attempt to rule with an iron fist triggers echoes of simpler and largely happier times for United.
Like his illustrious predecessor, van Gaal encourages collective unity.
Those who do not share that vision are given their marching orders, with Victor Valdes becoming the first casualty of the "my way or the highway" philosophy favoured by the manager who handed him a professional debut during his time at Barcelona.
ONLY ONE WAY
Ferguson's similar ideology led to numerous personality clashes during his time in the Theatre of Dreams' hot seat.
With a heavy heart, captain Roy Keane was set adrift in 2005 for committing heresy during an interview with United's in-house television channel.
Ruud van Nistelrooy's brand of foul-mouthed insolence a year later heralded the end of the prolific striker's United stay, while David Beckham's inflated sense of self-worth was considered the death knell to his Old Trafford career.
Van Gaal's handling of Mark van Bommel's increased sense of importance at Bayern Munich drew parallels with Ferguson's handling of Beckham.
The Dutch midfielder's acrimonious departure in the summer of 2009 was accelerated by his demotion as club captain.
Others felt van Gaal's wrath, on varying scales, during his time in Bavaria; from striker Luca Toni to the Bayern hierarchy.
This week's departure of Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce highlights the extent to which the United boss refuses to be swayed by sentiment.
The catalyst for United's 20th English Premier League title triumph was informed that the twilight of his career lay away from Old Trafford during the club's golf day in May.
Van Gaal's omission from his compatriot's farewell letter was as telling as it was notable.
Those heading towards Sir Matt Busby Way have received a similarly rude awakening.
Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian were barely through the front door at the club's Carrington training ground before van Gaal delivered another early season edict that nothing is ever guaranteed at United.
Even Schweinsteiger, who ended a 17-year love affair with Bayern for a reunion with his former manager, has been warned that Michael Carrick and Daley Blind stand alongside Schneiderlin as obstacles to a starting berth at the heart of midfield.
Darmian, identified as the solution to United's right-back conundrum, has been told he faces competition from Antonio Valencia, a winger turned makeshift fullback.
Much in the same way that Ferguson instilled a sense of fear and trepidation during his premiership, van Gaal does not merely command respect - it assumed.
His demand that those in attendance at United's end-of-season awards "pay attention to the manager" was not merely an off-the-cuff remark.
It was a sign of things to come.
*The writer is a Liverpool-based freelancer who has been covering the English Premier League since 2009.
"In top sport, no position is secure — even my position. The players have to fight — Morgan (Schneiderlin) has to fight with (bastian) Schweinsteiger, (Michael) carrick and (daley) blind to play in midfield. Matteo (darmian) has to fight with (antonio) Valencia."
- Man United manager Louis van Gaal sending out a warning to his new signings
"When you are not willing to follow those principles, there is only one way and that is out."
- Man United manager Louis van Gaal on Victor Valdes not wanting to play for United’s reserves
Valdes heads for exit after clash
PHOTO: REUTERS
Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Victor Valdes (above) will be sold because he refused to play for Manchester United's reserves last season.
Van Gaal handed Valdes a lifeline in January when he gave him an 18-month deal following a serious knee injury.
The 33-year-old had been tipped to be United's No. 1 should David de Gea leave for Real Madrid, but van Gaal revealed that the three-time Champions League winner will now be sold.
Van Gaal and Valdes share a long history having been together at Barcelona, but the Dutchman has been ruthless with the goalkeeper because he claims he refused to play for United's second stringers last season.
When asked why Valdes had been left out of the squad for United's pre-season tour of the United States, van Gaal said: "He is not selected because he does not follow our philosophy.
"When that is the case, there is not a place for a player.
"Last season, he refused to play in the second team and there are other aspects you need as a goalkeeper at United.
"When you are not willing to follow those principles, there is only one way and that is out."
Valdes, who got his Barca debut in 2002 under van Gaal, had cited the presence of his former boss as one of the main reasons for joining United.
But he played only twice for the Red Devils last season - against Arsenal and Hull, when de Gea was injured. And it seems he will not play for United again.
Valdes featured in three games for United's reserves, but it seems he told van Gaal towards the end of the campaign that he would not be doing so again.
The Red Devils are eyeing Argentinian free agent Sergio Romero to replace Valdes, who has been linked with Valencia and Antalyaspor.
On this tour, Sam Johnstone and Anders Lindegaard will provide back-up for de Gea, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real.
The Spanish giants would like to sign de Gea this summer, but they have refused to meet United's asking price and senior sources at the club feel the 24-year-old may start the season at Old Trafford.
IRRITATED
Van Gaal became irritated when asked about de Gea's response to being named in the 26-man party for the four-game tour of the US.
"His attitude is fantastic and I have said that already," van Gaal said.
"It is stupid to keep asking about his attitude."
United begin their tour with a friendly in the International Champions Cup against Mexican side Club America in Seattle tomorrow morning (Singapore time).
Due to their international commitments, Angel di Maria and Javier Hernandez will join the squad in San Jose ahead of their final game of the tour against Paris St Germain on July 30.
On di Maria being linked with PSG, van Gaal said: "In football, it is a process.
"It's a process for di Maria and Man United. We shall see.
"But he is still a member of United and he said he will come out on July 25."
- PA Sport.
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