Why Did Louis van Gaal Sell Chicharito Hernandez?

In the world of professional football, managerial decisions often shape the narrative of a player's career. One such decision involved Louis van Gaal, the former Manchester United manager, who chose to sell Javier Chicharito Hernandez amid criticisms and his own tactical philosophy.

Javier Chicharito Hernandez, known for his poaching ability and goal-scoring instincts, was less suited to the style required in van Gaal's 4-3-3 formation. Van Gaal's team was built around players who were involved in the build-up play: Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, and later Anthony Martial. As a result, Chicharito often found himself playing as a part-time starter, relying more on his 'being in the right place at the right time' rather than contributing more significantly to the team's attacking strategies.

Strategic Decisions and Team Dynamics

In 2015, Chicharito was loaned to Real Madrid for the season, an attempt to refocus his playing style and rediscover his goal-scoring prowess. After a brief return to Manchester United in that same year, Chicharito was sold to Bayer Leverkusen in 2016. This move was viewed as a solution for both parties, with Chicharito thriving in a system that allowed him to concentrate on his goal-scoring abilities.

However, reports suggest that Chicharito was himself disappointed with his performance during his time under van Gaal. There were concerns that he did not fit van Gaal's 4-3-3 philosophy. The reports suggest that van Gaal favored a style where players participated more in the build-up play, rather than simply waiting for opportunities to score penalties or catch opponents off guard. Reports also state that Lionel van Gerwael (referred to as LVG) was very disappointed with the missed penalty, which led to tensions and a subsequent transfer.

Management and Vision

It is often debated whether van Gaal's decision to sell Chicharito was driven by tactical decisions or personal misunderstandings. Louis van Gaal, the former coach of the Netherlands and Manchester United, was known for his strategic approach to football management. His philosophy was different from that of his predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson, who had a vision for developing players with great potential.

Sir Alex Ferguson had the backing of Manchester United to invest in talented young players who could develop into stars. In contrast, van Gaal's approach was to bring in high-profile players and give them the chance to shine without the need for long-term investment. This strategy led to some significant player exits, including Chicharito, as they did not fit into van Gaal's vision for the team.

During a Manchester United vs. Club Bruges match on August 15, 2015, Chicharito's missed penalty crowned the day's drama. Wayne Rooney, the club captain, provided Chicharito with an opportunity to take the penalty, but unfortunately, he missed. This incident is reported to have led to a tense atmosphere in the dugout, with van Gaal allegedly giving a 'deadly look' to Ryan Giggs, the assistant manager. Consequently, Chicharito had to depart from the club, a move that marked the end of his chapter at the Theatre of Dreams.

Conclusion

The decision to sell Chicharito Hernandez is a complex mix of tactical adjustments and personal relationships. While van Gaal's strategic choices are often respected, his management style led to several high-profile exits, including that of Chicharito. The incident with the missed penalty merely reflected a broader narrative of Chicharito not fitting into van Gaal's tactical plans. Nevertheless, the move to Leverkusen allowed Chicharito to rediscover his goalscoring abilities and continue his football career on a positive note.