Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that the departure of Ed Woodward and the promotion of Richard Arnold could be "the difference" between failure and success at Old Trafford.
The Dutch manager was appointed at United in 2014 after the sacking of David Moyes. He spent two years at the club and was dismissed after winning the FA Cup in 2016 due to the fact that United slipped out of the Champions League spots in the Premier League.
Since then, two managers and one interim boss have taken charge at The Theatre of Dreams, but all have ended their tenures in similar states to that of Van Gaal.
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When it was rumoured that United were in the running for fellow Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, the experienced manager advised him to stay away from the "commercial club" as he called it.
It is no secret that leadership during his time at the club were anything but impressive. In the transfer market, they were active but not smart and missed out on a number of Van Gaal's top targets.
Woodward famously said, "when people see Schweinsteiger on the team sheet, that'll send shivers down their spine." after signing the German in 2015.
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He spent two years at the club and appeared just 35 times for The Reds. The name was attractive, but the player was declining and the deal made little sense.
That is just one example of Woodward's incomitance while in charge at the club. The new regime of Richard Arnold and John Murtough looks to be a much-improved one.
While Arnold is by no means a football expert, reports have suggested that he is willing to delegate the footballing decisions to Murtough, who has shown promise since he was promoted to the new role of Director of Football last season.
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Despite his claims about the club being a commercial one months ago, Van Gaal has admitted that these changes could be beneficial for United and Erik ten Hag.
"There is now new leadership. It was Woodward and now it is Richard Arnold, and that can make the difference." The Netherlands manager said in his press conference. "So, we have to wait and see."
He has a lot of confidence." He said about Ten Hag, his fellow countryman, when asked if he thinks he will succeed. "So who am I to say something about that."
Despite his time at Old Trafford ending badly after being told that he would depart after his FA Cup final victory, which was won in a fantastic fashion, Van Gaal spoke honestly on the club and United fans will always have a soft spot for the manager.
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The 70-year-old will be taking charge of his next Nations League fixture on Wednesday against Wales. While Ten Hag is patiently waiting for United's pre-season start date on the 27th of June.
Topics: Louis Van Gaal, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Ed Woodward
Cain Smith