Iron-fisted van Gaal whips Manchester United into shape

New manager has restored confidence to English giant

In only four weeks, new manager Louis van Gaal has revived Manchester United to such an extent that it approaches the 2014-15 Premier League season brimming with rediscovered optimism.

Emboldened by his achievements at the World Cup in Brazil, where he steered his native Netherlands to the semifinals, the straight-talking 63-year-old was quick to make his presence felt at United.