In terms of results, the answer to the question in the title seems obvious: no. United's results have been very impressive in pre-season, whilst some of the general play and performances of the team and its best players have been encouraging. Nevertheless in terms of getting ready for the new season Louis van Gaal has perhaps left the Red Devils a little under-prepared.
Van Gaal's new 3-4-1-2 formation seems folly. United have lost three defenders and only recruited one, yet Van Gaal is now requiring his side to play with one more defender than the team is used to. The club are severely low on players in that department and the new Dutch manager is yet to recruit. Injuries to Jonny Evans, Rafael and Luke Shaw have only exacerbated the problem. A diamond formation with four defenders at the back would appear to have been a much better way of utilising United's resources.
Why has it taken so long to buy new players? Van Gaal has said he wanted to take a proper look at the squad before investing, but that doesn't cut the mustard Louis. Anyone could see that new players were necessary, whether you've seen them on tour or not. He has been slow to act and has now stretched United's resources at the back. A top-quality spine to the team mean results may not be initially effected, but it has been a poor effort from Van Gaal in getting his squad ready.
Friendly results have been good, Van Gaal has made wise choices in regard to captain, and the pre-season standards have generally been high. Nevertheless the Dutchman's preparation for the new season has been far from flawless, and that is certainly disappointing.
