World Cup 2014: How Man United fans will assess LvG

Man United fans will have enjoyed much of what they've seen

As Louis van Gaal's Netherlands reign enters its final days, Michael Lintorn picks out the positive and negatives of his World Cup work...

POSITIVES

Innovation
Going against his tactical doctrine and that of the Dutch national team to shift from 4-3-3 to 3-4-1-2 (3-4-3 against Costa Rica) was bold. Implementing such an extensive structural shift right before the tournament, and then standing by the new strategy, was even punchier. He challenged his players further by alternating the positions of Daley Blind, Dirk Kuyt and a few others to suit circumstances.

Substitution Mastery
Man United's incoming manager isn't the modest type, but he would be justified in claiming that he swung four successive matches in the Netherlands' favour with his substitutions. Memphis Depay came on to bag the winner against Australia, the Tennessee-state-capital-namealike and Leroy Fer left the bench to break Chile's resolve, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar set up the leveller and scored a clincher in a cameo against Mexico, then Tim Krul was the unforgettable shootout hero against Costa Rica.

Team Spirit
Obviously, it is slightly easier to ensure that every squad member backs you at international level as the manager has full control over who is in the 23. However, given the Netherlands' prior reputation for internal conflict and van Gaal's previous for falling out with players, Man United fans should be encouraged by the role of work-rate, cohesion and unity in their unexpected run to the semi-finals.

NEGATIVES

Overreliance on Robben and Robin
It was increasingly apparent as the competition wore on how reliant the Netherlands were on Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie for inspiration, which became more problematic as RvP's impact faded after two strong performances to start. It would be harsh to criticise van Gaal too much though for inheriting an unremarkable group and building around the two stars, and he was never shy to admit that "we're not a great team".

The Krul Consequences
The call to bring Tim Krul on for Jasper Cillessen before the Costa Rica shootout will be the stroke of genius everyone remembers in years to come, but the knock-on effect was to condition the squad that they needed the Newcastle goalkeeper to win on penalties. When they couldn't play the Krul card against Argentina - seemingly a consequence of van Gaal's desire to start Nigel de Jong, who wasn't able to last the distance, necessitating an extra substitution - Dutch confidence crumbled. It fell to such an extent that, despite their spot kicks being converted expertly against Costa Rica, two players refused to take the first against Argentina, forcing centre back Ron Vlaar into the firing line.

Netherlands are 2.3211/8 to beat Brazil to third place - something that van Gaal admits he isn't overly fussed about - while Man United are 6.86/1 to win the title in his first season at Old Trafford.