Louis van Gaal should ditch dull tactics for FA Cup final – even if it’s too late to save his job

It’s often listed amongst the FA Cup final’s greatest shocks, even though Crystal Palace eventually lost a replay to Manchester United in the 1990 edition.

Ian Wright was the nearly hero for Palace that day at Wembley Stadium, striking twice as a substitute only for Mark Hughes to force a 3-3 draw in extra-time. It was the trophy that supposedly saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job (although that accolade is technically credited to Mark Robins for his third-round winner against Nottingham Forest).

Now, in the build-up to the 2016 final, United fans might just find themselves reminiscing about the Scot’s maiden trophy at the club – and how far they’ve sunk since his departure.

For the first encounter was a true exhibit of attacking football. One with defensive frailties, sure, but the sort of end-to-end action United fans have craved the past three seasons. The stadium was bouncing before kick-off, red and blue balloons taking over the Palace end, with Gary O’Reilly’s early goal cancelled out by Bryan Robson’s header.

Hughes fired United ahead before Wright took centre-stage: first, he twisted through enemy lines and coolly slotted beyond Jim Leighton, then he latched on to a deep cross to put Palace 3-2 ahead. But United forged a reputation for late goals under Ferguson, one that has been severely absent since, and Hughes struck with seven minutes of extra time remaining. United clinched a dour replay 1-0. Ferguson stayed in charge. The rest, as they say, is history.

Manchester United fans, in their droves, are praying the same reward is not handed to Louis van Gaal.

Three scenarios appear available to the Dutchman: 1) lose, get fired; 2) win, get fired; 3) win, keep job. And it’s option ‘3’ that fills fans with the most dread it seems. The idea that one game could atone for a season of misery, which saw United score one more goal than Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland in the Premier League and look utterly devoid of a plan or interest.

But what if Van Gaal threw caution to the wind and implored United to play attacking football, on what could be his final outing in the dugout? What if his side played their part in a final to rival 1990? He heard the boos during his short public address at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening. He’s aware of a current standing. Why not sign off in style?

United fans can wince at the prospect, but an attacking and victorious display – even if it ensures Van Gaal sticks around for another season – should be welcomed. The club hasn’t won silverware since David Moyes awkwardly collected the Community Shield in 2013. United don’t want to descend into a losing club. The Premier League will likely be beyond them for a few seasons yet, regardless of the man in charge. They need this trophy.

The ideal scenario, of course, for many supporters is option ‘2’. Van Gaal shouldn’t be allowed to continue after this most hopeless of seasons – even if the two touted options to replace him are Jose Mourinho and Ryan Giggs. The former carries a reputation for silverware, but provides the antithesis of United’s favoured style; the latter may be an able replacement, but a promotion still seems too early.

But if Van Gaal signs off with a trophy, evoking memories of Ferguson in the process, United fans would be wise to salute his efforts. Winning things breeds a certain mentality. And it’ll be far easier for his successor to challenge for honours if the squad he inherits has the FA Cup in their grasp.