What a difference a tour makes!
MUFC - Fantastic tour!
By Chris
August 12 2014
Pre-season tours are rarely met with such universal excitement by Manchester United supporters - but, amid great optimism at the start of the Louis van Gaal era, five impressive results, a piece of silverware and victory over the Scousers leaves the summer jaunt to the USA looking an overwhelming triumph.
Having led the Dutch to third place at the 2014 Fifa World Cup, van Gaal's opening weeks at Old Trafford have proved highly successful.
The Red Devils return to the North West having put LA Galaxy, Roma, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Liverpool to the sword, with the International Champions Cup safely stored in Old Trafford's trophy cabinet.
When the van Gaal era comes to an end, whether it be a Ferguson-style success, or a Moyes-esque disaster, the International Champions Cup will not be used as a barometer. However, this summer success has laid some excellent foundations and left fans brimming with confidence following a particularly difficult twelve months.
United's five pre-season friendlies thus far have encapsulated van Gaal's ruthlessness, and his hunger for success. Adopting his preferred 3-5-2 formation, the former Netherlands manager is not afraid to break with tradition to deliver success, and early results have been exceptionally promising.
Question marks remain over whether United need additional defensive resources, but van Gaal's apparent eagerness to utilise United's attacking prowess has fans eagerly anticipating the start of an unpredictable season ahead, with the Red Devils not facing any of last season's top six until October.
The pre-season preparations continue on August 12th with a home friendly against Spanish outfit Valencia, but the real action gets underway on the weekend as United entertain Swansea City at the Theatre of Dreams.