Van Gaal has much, then, in his personal credit column. The problem is that his many qualities are devilishly difficult to square with the fact most United disciples loathe his football with a passion. One supporter, jaded by the dismal fare against PSV, likened the Van Gaal way to “watching an airport baggage carousel go round for 90 minutes”. That one remark, witheringly accurate, hinted at the depths of nostalgia for those occasions under Ferguson when United would eviscerate opponents with an attacking brilliance spearheaded by two strikers and two wingers. It is for this reason that Ander Herrera remains one of the team’s more popular players, if only because the midfielder is prepared to take a gamble or two.