Jamie Ireland
It seems like Louis van Gaal has enough to think about, with the Netherlands World Cup preparation, Manchester United’s squad overhaul and also who will make up his backroom staff.
The Guardian reports that Manchester United may well retain the three former players who helped, now assistant manager Ryan Giggs during his spell as interim manager.
Old Trafford heros Nicky Butt, who was a member of the club’s academy staff, Phil Neville who served as a coach under David Moyes and Giggs and midfield maestro Paul Scholes.
The trio are yet to hear about their future from van Gaal himself, who is busy getting the Netherlands ready for their World Cup opener against reigning champions Spain.
Even though the final decision will mostly likely be van Gaal’s, there is a desire from fans and from those within the club to keep as many ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ involved as possible.
Now, personally I love the idea of Manchester United taking a leaf out of Barcelona’s book and trying to keep a tradition and a ‘certain way of doing things’ by promoting from within.
Who better to look after Manchester United’s identity and ethos than a group of former players, who helped build a huge part of the clubs history and know it top to bottom.
However, Louis van Gaal is not the type of manager who likes to have decisions made for him, even though there seems to have been some compromise with Giggs being announced as assistant manager.
The only position remaining in the backroom staff of real significance, is first team coach. In my opinion, van Gaal will want someone he knows and trusts in that role, one of ‘his’ men.
But that does not mean the end for Scholes, Butt and Neville. I am sure that if the first-team don’t need them, the U21 or youth teams would certainly appreciate their wisdom.
Regardless of how good you were or how much of an impact you made at a club, when it comes to coaching, you still have to climb the ladder.
Anyone wanting to know more about what to expect from Louis van Gaal, have a look at Graham Hunter’s Paddy Power blog entry. Gives fantastic insight into the Dutchman.
