Argentina’s Lionel Messi was controversially awarded the World Cup’s Golden Ball and surely Louis van Gaal would not be too far away from best manager.
The fiery Dutchman will start his new role as Manchester United boss on Wednesday after deciding against taking a post-World Cup break to take charge in time for United’s pre-season tour of America.
United fans will undoubtedly be encouraged by the Netherlands’ World Cup run after Van Gaal led his rather unfancied side to a respectable third-place finish.
Similarly, perhaps, United will begin next season with a genuine underdog title for the first time in more than two decades.
With Chelsea already spending heavily on the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, Liverpool set to hit the market with £75m from the sale of Luis Suarez, Arsenal securing the signature of Alexis Sanchez and Man City also expected to strengthen again – United face an uphill task if they are to challenge for the title this year.
That said, and fresh from proving it again this summer, Van Gaal seems to be the perfect fit for United.
Dutch critics targeted Van Gaal for going against the grain and not playing the ‘Dutch way’, with a different, more defensive, approach utilising wing-backs.
But criticism doesn’t seem to faze the 62-year-old and that may be one of the key strengths that sees Van Gaal succeed at Old Trafford.
His predecessor, David Moyes, was quickly persecuted for his perceived negative style and the pressure visibly got to the Glaswegian.
Doubts over Moyes’ credentials soon crept in and tales of dressing room unrest followed.
But Van Gaal comes with less pressure – buoyed by a CV which boasts a catalogue of trophies during spells with European giants in Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Van Gaal’s thick skin and knack of getting teams to win would certainly suggest he is better placed to take the reins at Old Trafford and get Manchester United back on track.
But he may not be to everyone’s liking.
The Dutchman has a reputation for being an explosive and often aggressive character behind the scenes with high profile bust-ups with stars such as Barcelona favourite, Rivaldo.
That may not bode for Wayne Rooney, who, for all his criticism, is still an exceptional talent and surely vital if United are to challenge for honours again next season.
The former Everton man needs to feel wanted to perform at his best and it appears he seems to thrive when he is considered the team’s main man.
It will be interesting to see if Van Gaal has the man management skills to keep Rooney happy with fellow compatriot and national captain Robin van Persie expected to be an integral part of the new system.
Main image courtesy of Sport 360 via YouTube, with thanks.
