Gary Neville is full of confidence that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has not given in to the growing pressure surrounding his role, saying he firmly believes the Dutchman can win the Premier League title in the next three years.
Speaking from Singapore at the launch of his latest project, the Football Hotel, located just off Old Trafford, Neville stressed that Van Gaal is on the right track, dismissing criticism of his management style as misplaced.
Recently, a visibly agitated Van Gaal released a 4-page document in response to claims that his team plays in a “long ball” style, a move interpreted by many as an indicator of the stress of high-level management.
“He’s definitely not buckling under pressure,” Neville remarked in an interview with AFP. “He is an experienced man. If there is a problem, it seems to me that he has reached a tipping point where he feels the need to respond and assert himself. I would not classify this as a crack in his tenure, but more like a brief outburst that he might not repeat. But it is understandable to have this reaction.
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Neville pointed to United’s current position, third in the league table, as well as their looming FA Cup match this weekend, as indicators that Van Gaal is shaping a magnificent inaugural season — especially in light of seventh last year’s place without title.
“I admire his approach. Although many have expressed criticism, he has adjusted his methods to meet the challenges,” Neville continued. “It may not always be the most exhilarating football to watch, but right now United’s priorities are to secure a place in the Champions League and make a meaningful run in the FA Cup. Win the FA Cup would be the end of a sensational season.”
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He added: “Critics have been quick to judge his style of play, but let’s not forget that he hasn’t even been in charge of the team for a year, just seven months in fact.”
Neville expressed a wish to see his legendary teammate Wayne Rooney given the freedom to lead the attack, rather than his current role in midfield, although he acknowledged Rooney’s unwavering commitment to the team.
“I played alongside Wayne for many years; he is able to adapt his game to the needs of the team. Whether on the left, right, or repositioned in the middle, he never complains — he always puts the team first,” Neville said.
Looking to the future, Neville is confident in Van Gaal’s pedigree, predicting he will propel United to Championship glory in three years’ time, thanks to his proven track record. “The first step in any building project is to lay solid foundations. Manchester United are becoming increasingly difficult to destabilize, so it is laying those vital foundations of resilience. From there we can expect flair and creativity flourish. This is the trajectory I foresee,” he concluded.
The much-anticipated Football Hotel, boasting 133 rooms and a rooftop five-a-side pitch, is a collaboration between former United stars Neville, his brother Phil, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt , as well as Singaporean billionaire and Valencia owner Peter Lim. The football-themed establishment, rated four stars, should officially open its doors on March 2.
