Van Gaal Reshapes Backroom Team at Manchester United, Reassigns Long-Serving Fitness Coach
Louis van Gaal has made another decisive move at Manchester United by reshuffling his backroom staff, continuing a trend of sweeping changes since his arrival at Old Trafford.
Tony Strudwick, who served as United’s first-team fitness coach for several years under previous managers including Sir Alex Ferguson, has been relieved of his role with the senior squad. He will now focus on the physical development of players in the club’s youth academy.
The decision, according to sources close to the club, stems from Van Gaal’s dissatisfaction with the physical condition of several first-team players at the start of the campaign. The Dutch manager, known for his meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising approach to performance standards, is believed to have lost confidence in Strudwick’s methods.
In his place, Van Gaal has brought in Jos van Dijk, a trusted associate from the Netherlands who has worked with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss in previous roles. The appointment further cements Van Gaal’s influence at the club and signals a preference for a team of staff familiar with his style and expectations.
Strudwick’s reassignment to the academy is not considered a demotion in title, but rather a strategic move to utilize his experience in developing future first-team players. However, it also marks a clear shift in Van Gaal’s desire to surround himself with personnel who align closely with his footballing philosophy.
Van Gaal, who took over at United in the summer, has already overseen a significant overhaul of the playing squad and coaching staff. His authoritative management style has brought both praise and scrutiny, but his determination to return United to the summit of English football remains unwavering.
Whether the latest changes will yield the fitness and performance levels he demands remains to be seen, but for now, one thing is clear: under Van Gaal, no position is beyond review.
