Most fans have their own idea as to what 'success' equates to for Manchester United next season. Some say an FA cup win would be a step in the right direction, having not won the trophy since 2004. Others have grander expectations, with a 21st English title win being set as the benchmark. But it is getting the club back in Europe that will make van Gaal a success - in the early days of his reign, at least. Given the competition for top four places, with Arsenal looking to revitalise themselves after ending their long trophy drought; Manchester City and Chelsea set to re-strengthen; Tottenham to name a new manager with fresh ideas and ambition and Everton always improving under the excellent Roberto Martinez, a return to Champions League football would be most welcome. The cost of missing out on European football next season is both known and unknown. Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has revealed the club are set to lose over £30 million as a consequence, while it remains to be seen if we can still attract high calibre players without the carrot of the Champions League. And so getting us back to the big time must be van Gaal's first order of protocol.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
