The costly failures of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao convinced Louis van Gaal to build a new team — even if he will not be at Old Trafford to reap the benefits.
Despite Manchester United’s mixed start to the season, the manager insists he is developing a young side that may one day be compared to the Busby Babes or the Class of ’92.
He has invested £70 million in Memphis Depay, 21, and 19-year-old Anthony Martial and regards them as a cornerstone of a great future that will also include Luke Shaw, 20, who suffered a broken leg on Wednesday, and 20-year-old Adnan Januzaj, who is on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
The challenge excites Van Gaal even though he is unlikely to go back on a promise to wife, Truus, to quit the game when his contract ends in 2017.
‘I believe I have a very good eye for young talent. I am a trainer-coach who believes in youth,’ said the Dutchman.
‘When you see my career, you can see a lot of youngsters come through and when I’m not there, you have the guards of the club culture.’
As he prepared for Sunday’s trip to Southampton, Van Gaal’s message to his doubters was to look at his record of creating new dynasties.
‘At Barcelona, Xavi captain, Iniesta captain, Valdes captain. For 10 years they were the backbone of the club and the culture. At Bayern Munich, it was the same with Muller, Alaba, Badstuber,’ he said of the players he blooded.
‘Maybe when I am gone, Shaw shall be the guard of the culture. Or Januzaj. Or Martial, but first he has to speak the language!’
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