Jesse Lingard, though relatively old, has perhaps been the biggest success from the players brought through into the side by the Dutchman and has featured in the last four Premier League games. After a week, I thought “he’s right”.
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In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez lifted the lid on the former Holland boss, who he worked under during the duo’s time at Catalonia, and the early impressions were not good.
Manchester United fans nearly choked on their drinks laughing in the Transfer Tavern this afternoon after a former player of Louis Van Gaal didn’t mince his words when speaking about the Dutch boss.
The ex-Spain worldwide was a youngster breaking through at the Nou Camp when Van Gaal was in charge at Barca and his first impression was not great.
Andres Pereira, James Wilson, Anthony Martial and Paddy McNair have all featured for United this season and are under the age of 20 – Van Gaal claims he is building a squad for his successor and the promising young players will be a big part of it.
Yet, if Xavi’s assessment is anything to go by, Lingard may be the first of many young Red Devils stars to make the step up in the Premier League and on the global scene.
Xavi also said that Van Gaal is “poorly valued in the media” but he has the utmost respect for the manager who gave him the chance to shine at the top level of football.
‘He was the assistant coach, someone who understood the philosophy of Barca and who shared numerous same characteristics of Van Gaal, ‘ the midfielder explained.
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It’s certainly curious that despite the ties to Barcelona for both of these illustrious coaches, they each play a style that is castigated. The latter, in particular, has a massive test ahead of him given the disarray the club is now in.
