1. A Lot Of Former Associates And Elite Influences Dislike Him
What Manchester United wont want you knowing the most is how many players have a real disliking for Van Gaal as both a man and a manager. The Dutchman has built up love/hate relationships all through his career, but many of his former players, and even top level influences in football have negative feelings about Van Gaal when asked, as reported by Sky Sports. "You wonder whether he has one or two screws loose." - Former Barcelona manager Johan Cruyff. "I haven't had fun on the pitch once under van Gaal. Ive had more than enough of it." - Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. "Van Gaal is the Hitler of the Brazilian players. Hes arrogant, proud and has a problem. He has no idea of football. His type is sick, he's crazy." - Former Barcelona player Giovanni. "Louis van Gaals style is very difficult. He is very tough, people don't like him." - Ferran Soriano, Manchester City chief executive and Van Gaal's vice president at Barcelona. Van Gaal simply didn't want to work with me, he treats players like interchangeable objects." - Luca Toni. "Van Gaal hurt me more than anyone else in football." - Former Bayern Munich defender Lucio, who was sold by Van Gaal. "He must realise that in this club there are other people who are also responsible for sporting matters." - Christian Nerlinger, former Bayern Munich sporting director. Van Gaal has really left his mark on the game during his managerial career, and while hes been very successful with the majority of his former clubs, hes burned so many bridges in the process. Manchester United will desperately want people to forget about the dark side to his past, as it paints a picture of a dictator-like coach. His methods are deemed madness by many.
Crippy Cooke, 23, is a freelance Football Writer contributing to What Culture. He's had work featured on Zoo, MSN, London 24, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and was recently named Writer of the Year on FTBpro - while also a nominee for Best Male Blog in the Football Blogging Awards.