Prior to Louis van Gaal’s appointment at Manchester United, the Dutchman’s return to prominence at the 2014 World Cup was based around collective man-marking in midfield.
Manchester United’s derby win presented an opportunity to mount a late push for a place in the top four, and Louis van Gaal persisted with a youthful attack based on mobility and direct running against an unorthodox Everton XI.
Manuel Pellegrini showcased improved pragmatism against his prestigious Premier League rivals this season, but in a decisive derby against rivals Manchester United, the Chilean’s XI signified City’s intent.
The general theme of this weekend’s Premier League match-day witnessed prestigious sides overcome numerical advantages to salvage results away from home.
Stylistically, Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United has been heavily criticized for their tedious possession-based system, but a trip to Newcastle saw the Red Devils manager lean towards a pragmatic approach.
It only took 11 seconds. The conclusion of a swift transitional Leicester City attack witnessed Jamie Vardy yelling “it’s mine, it’s mine,” and in fairness, it finally was.
With David Silva and Sergio Aguero unavailable for selection, Manuel Pellegrini was without the league's best striker and play-maker on Manchester City’s trip to Old Trafford, depriving the away side of pace, creativity and guile in the final third.
In regards to reaching an elite status, Arsenal and Manchester United are generally at the same stage, but the former’s emphatic victory over the Red Devils told a different story.
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Manchester United has told its fans they cannot bring tablets or laptops to football matches at its stadium. The ban does not include smartphones but does include iPad Mini and other small tablets.
In a tight, slow-burning affair, that offered very few legitimate goal-scoring chances, Argentina snuck past Holland and secured a berth in their first World Cup final in 24 years.
In the first half, Holland looked like a shade of the side that thrashed Spain. Louis van Gaal’s side created very few chances and was pulled into a battle with group minnows –– a label that was awarded based on overall talent –– Australia.
