Don’t Give Him An Oscar: Red Devils skipper Van Gaal fails to impress in Old Trafford acting debut

Manchester United manager Luis Van Gaal shouldn’t feel too bad about not getting a late Oscar nomination for his antics in Sunday’s clash against Arsenal. Moreover he should feel even better about not getting a red card or suspension for his childish display.

In the 75^th minute of his side’s 3-2 Premier League victory over the Gunners at Old Trafford Van Gaal’s animated sideline protest to fourth official Mike Dean turned comical. Van Gaal approached Dean to protest the legitimacy of an earlier foul called against his team.

And to make his point abundantly clear of why the Red Devils’ opponent clearly dived on the play – the Dutch coach gave Dean an instant replay, falling to the ground with clip board in hand at the feet of Dean. An enormous roar of laughter went up from the stands as Dean lay on his back looking directly in Dean’s eye.

Instead of calling out the media, which has been a frequent refrain from the manager for criticism of his team at more than one point this season, this time the manager had Dean in his cross hairs.

A look of disbelief overcame Red Devils assistant Ryan Giggs as the incident unfolded. Match commentators and a worldwide television audience also couldn’t seem to believe what was unfolding including BBC match commentator Jon Champion who declared:

“That’s a magnificent piece of thespian-type work by Louis Van Gaal and its brought the house down at Old Trafford,” ~ BBC match commentator Jon Champion.

The reaction continued on Twitter with some claiming Van Gaal would dethrone actor Leonardo dicaprio for best actor while another Tweeting “What? Van Gaal is down!”.

Thankfully to save further embarrassment United hung on for the victory.

While Van Gaal’s dive may have taken an award for best display of juvenile sarcasm by an embattled coach, it clearly didn’t win out for best performance by a stuntman. Here’s a couple of big problems with any future plans you may have for a curtain call Louis!

Firstly, if you’re going to dive like a Premier League player a little screaming and rolling around would help greatly. Also getting back to your feet without limping around for a moment or too, wincing in pain and getting some help from your trainers would help add some credibility to the sketch.

But the third big strike Louis was the fact that you are clearly barking up the wrong tree in regards to your target. Anyone who is a regular observer of Premier League matches knows Mike Dean never calls fouls and as the old saying goes always seems to ‘leave his cards at home’.

The biggest criticism of the dramatic display shouldn’t go to Van Gaal for his unconvincing dive but instead to the officiating crew. Van Gaal should have been shown a red card, sent to the stands and possibly suspended for his actions of gross unsportsmanlike conduct which clearly made a mockery of Craig Pawson and his officiating crew. They in turn made a mockery of themselves by not sending Van Gaal off.

After the match Van Gaal told members of the media he had a apologized to the officials for his actions. So Van Gaal clearly admits he was in the wrong. “I have to control my emotions. I (always) say that to the players,” Van Gaal said.

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