It is fair to say that there is a huge sense of optimism currently sweeping Manchester United fans, after Dutch master tactician Louis van Gaal took over the reins at Old Trafford earlier this summer.
Desperate to get over their horrendous campaign under David Moyes last season, the United faithful have already taken a liking towards van Gaal and given the impact the 62-year old has had so far, the renewed sense of optimism surrounding the Premier League giants is certainly understandable.
Even the bookies seem to be excited about the arrival of van Gaal and betting company Betfair have now unveiled a huge poster at the Manchester city centre to welcome the Dutchman with a slogan reading “Welcome to Vanchester”.
VANCHESTER #louisville pic.twitter.com/1j6XeICcIP
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) August 11, 2014
City fans had reportedly paid to get the billboard set up after the Argentinean striker had made a switch to the Etihad Stadium from Old Trafford in 2009 and the gesture certainly irked former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who labeled the Sky Blues – a small mentality club.
The legendary Scot had said at the time, “It’s City isn’t it? They are a small club with a small mentality. All they can talk about is Manchester United; they can’t get away from it. That arrogance will be rewarded. It is a go at us, that’s the one thing it is. They think taking Carlos Tevez away from Manchester United is a triumph. It is poor stuff.”
Welcome to Manchester. di sambut dengan billboard gambar Carlos Tevez Manchester City ! #CTWD pic.twitter.com/ADYlnqCa
— Indonesia Ladies (@LadiesMCFC) December 20, 2012
After spending last season in the shadow of City, United are certainly desperate to wrestle the title back from their fierce rivals this time around and it will be interesting to see whether or not van Gaal can guide the Red Devils to glory at the expense of the Citizens this season.
Who do you think will finish higher this season – Manchester United or Manchester City?
