10 Great Van Gaal Moments

The manager's impassioned awards-night speech is one of 10 classic Louis van Gaal moments we loved this season, emphasising why we think the Dutchman will lead United to success in 2015/16...

1: The statement of intent… The manager’s role at Manchester United is not for the feint-hearted: it demands a person of impenetrable strength, character and confidence. The adage goes that no person is bigger than the club itself but the boss can define it, and van Gaal’s opening gambit in the hotseat assured fans he is the perfect candidate: “This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history.”

2: Winds of change… Although impressed by the facilities at the Aon Training Complex, van Gaal immediately observed the first-team training pitches and instructed the creation of two brand new Desso surfaces that are exact replicas to the one at Old Trafford. He also sanctioned the planting of trees to shield his players from the wind. How’s that for attention to detail?

3: The kids are alright… Despite signing seven new players this season – prompting the media’s use of the term ‘Gaalacticos’ – the boss has given the same number of debuts to Academy graduates, maintaining the club’s tradition of promoting from within. “For me, money doesn’t say anything,” he said in September. “Quality says everything. I call young players the guardians of the club.”

4: “Only one player injured… Can you believe that?”… That’s what Louis jokingly asked in January after several months with up to 10 or more Reds on the treatment table, and it became a bit of a sensation on 6-second video site Vine. Injuries led to him using 37 players in all competitions, which adds further credibility to United’s top-four finish. Imagine if everybody was fit…

5: "Twitching my ass"... The boss cranked Sir Alex’s "squeaky bum time" remark up a notch by uttering this phrase after the hard-fought 2-0 win at QPR, referring to the feeling he gets when his team played a 4-4-2 formation. He certainly has a way with words and has come up with some belters this term – describing Chelsea as “another biscuit” (a Dutch phrase), telling Wayne Rooney to “let it fly” and apologising to his wife’s hairdresser Dawn for beating her beloved Manchester City.

6: Christmas is family time… “I believe in the total human being,” explained van Gaal, shortly after announcing his decision to let the players enjoy Christmas Day at home, rather than training. "They are more pleased to be at home with their wives and children. Then, I hope they shall give everything to beat the opponent.” On Boxing Day, he was vindicated as United eased to a 3-1 win over Newcastle.

7: “Long passes, not long balls”… Van Gaal yields an unshakeable belief in his philosophy and, when challenged, he will defend it to the hilt. In fact, the boss revealed four pages of statistics to disprove Sam Allardyce's claim that United had become a long ball team following the 1-1 draw at West Ham. Although he was derided in some quarters, it’s hard not to admire such passion and conviction.

8: Fellaini’s renaissance…The Belgian was written off last summer, but under van Gaal’s management, he shed that stigma to become a genuinely indispensable figure at United. His turning point arrived in the 2-2 draw at West Brom in October, when he scored three minutes after coming on at half-time. “Van Gaal told me, ‘Prove yourself and we'll see’. Now they are counting on me,” said Felli. Ashley Young is another player who has flourished under van Gaal, while 33-year-old Michael Carrick says the boss has helped him improve.

9: The transfer list… Van Gaal was presented with a summer transfer list from a supporter during the MU Foundation's Dream Day event at the Aon Training Complex, which allowed fans with life-limiting illnesses to meet their heroes. The manager's brilliant reaction – which can be seen in our video – became an internet sensation and displayed him at his charismatic best. Ironically, recent signing Memphis Depay was among the names on the list.

10: That Player of the Year speech… It summed up everything we love about van Gaal: confident, full of personality and unafraid to say precisely what he thinks. The fact that Juan Mata, David De Gea and Chris Smalling have all said that's exactly the enthusiasm he brings to daily life at the Aon Training Complex, it wasn't a speech simply fuelled by end-of-season celebrations. With such infectious self-belief and determination, we find it pretty impossible to believe United will not challenge for top honours in 2015/16.