“History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” So said Karl Marx and, 160 years after his analysis of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was publicised, Manchester United have to hope Communism’s ideologue is not vindicated.
For the second successive season, a league campaign and a managerial reign begins against Swansea City.
Yet, after the “tragedy” of David Moyes, the man whose years of earnest endeavour did not equip him for the high-profile job he always coveted and whose reputation was shredded in the process, few anticipate Louis van Gaal’s tenure will prove farcical. Successful, eventful, memorable and radical, perhaps. Maybe for those who get on the wrong side of the abrasive Dutchman, it will be painful.
His decisive nature could be detrimental for the United careers of some of his players. Yet there is little about the “Iron Tulip” to indicate this season will be comical. While United have brought him in to prevent a repeat of last season, when a sorry decline to seventh place cost Moyes his job, there is one action replay they would willingly see.
They began the league season 12 months ago by defeating a gifted Swansea side 4-1.
It proved the falsest of false dawns. Robin van Persie, whose form was far better under Sir Alex Ferguson than Moyes, scored twice.
So did Danny Welbeck but, eight months later, the Scot’s final game took place to the backdrop of stories that the England player wanted to leave Old Trafford.
Such theories soon disappeared. Welbeck remains at the club, even if the attention has been shifted to other strikers. Van Persie captained Van Gaal’s Netherlands when they finished third in the World Cup finals in Brazil during the summer.
Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as his new club captain. After wearing the armband in four previous games, this is a debut appearance as official leader today.
For Van Gaal, it is also a debut. This is the new-look team at the top, which comprises two Uefa Champions League winners with a dozen league titles between them.
United have recorded six victories from as many games in pre-season. If it fosters the sense he is an alchemist and the Netherland’s prowess in the World Cup reinforces the image of a manager who can produce a winning team from limited players, Van Gaal has been keen to stress that transforming United will take time, even for him.
The reality is that this is a work in progress. Only two signings – Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera – have been made so far. Three more may be required.
Van Persie is yet to play for his compatriot, because the Netherland’s World Cup campaign extended for so long. Adnan Januzaj, who played a major role, has been limited to 15 minutes football.
Michael Carrick and Shaw are out injured. Rafael da Silva, Jonny Evans, Antonio Valencia and Welbeck have seen their pre-season preparations interrupted by various knocks and strains.
Whichever 11 takes the field today at Old Trafford will not be Van Gaal’s ideal side. There will be an element of making do.
Ashley Young, a revelation at wing-back under Van Gaal, is likely to appear in his new position for the first time in a meaningful game. The lack of signings could mean a first-team debut for Tyler Blackett or Reece James, who have both found opportunities in the Dutchman’s new-look 3-4-1-2 formation.
Van Gaal has reiterated that his teams often start slowly in his first season as they adapt to his methods. If it takes time, however, United could ease into the season.
Whereas 12 months ago Moyes was muttering darkly about a fixture list in which his side met many of the favourites in the opening weeks, Van Gaal will go two months before he faces potential champions.
His side overcame Roma, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Valencia in pre-season. They begin their league season against Swansea City, Sunderland, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers.
They are the sorts of games that the United of old specialised in winning.
Last season, both Swansea (in the FA Cup) and Sunderland (in both the Capital One Cup and the Premier League) recorded landmark wins against Moyes’s team.
But, apart from the identities of the opponents and the struggle to sign, United scarcely sense history repeating itself. This era feels very different.
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