The World Cup competitors are now completely set, with Italy once again a glaring absentee. Since they were last involved on the world stage, lots has changed at Manchester United.
Tuesday night saw Sandro Tonali miss out on the World Cup as Italy were knocked out at the play-off final stage by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.
This means it will have been at least 16 years since Italy qualified for the World Cup before they return, with a last visit being in 2014.
Since then, Manchester United have seen plenty of change. But what was happening at Old Trafford the summer of Italy’s last trip to the World Cup in 2014.
Angel di Maria Press Conference after signing for Manchester United.
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Louis van Gaal’s appointment as Manchester United manager
Directly linked with the World Cup, United looked to Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal to replace David Moyes in 2014 after a seventh place finish.
Van Gaal took charge for the 2014/15 season, returning United to the Champions League despite starting at Carrington just three days after his Dutch side concluded their World Cup campaign as third-placed play-off winners.
Despite arriving as a proven winner, Van Gaal only lasted two seasons at United before being sacked after winning the FA Cup in 2016.
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United missed out on Toni Kroos
One of the most famous transfer failures at United under Ed Woodward was missing out on Toni Kroos in the summer of 2014.
Kroos has since admitted he agreed to join Moyes only for Van Gaal to veto the deal. However, a manager shouldn’t have been dictating transfers when the German was so clearly the best midfield talent in the world.
Instead, this summer saw United sign Ander Herrera for a similar fee, and while the Spaniard is a cult hero, talent wise the two are night and day.
Angel Di Maria and Luke Shaw joined Manchester United
One transfer United did not fail to secure the signing of was Angel Di Maria, who broke the British transfer record in the process, arriving for £59.7m from Real Madrid.
Di Maria ultimately blamed Van Gaal for his move failing and he ultimately lasted less than 12 months before jumping ship to PSG.
Also arriving this summer was Luke Shaw, who is now 12 years on still starting for United.
Ryan Giggs retires from his playing career
One thing which makes 2014 feel like a lifetime ago is that this was the summer Ryan Giggs retired at United as a player, something that feels well beyond 12 years ago.
Giggs then joined Van Gaal’s coaching staff where he would remain until the Dutchman departed and Jose Mourinho arrived in 2016.
Giggs is a United legend and remains fondly remembered after all this time, and likely will for the foreseeable.
United victory in the International Champions Cup gives false dawn
During pre-season in 2014, United appeared to be set for a return to the very top of the sport with victories over Liverpool and Real Madrid.
United’s win over Los Blancos was at the Michigan stadium in front of 109,318 fans and was en-route to winning the International Champions Cup trophy.
It was a flawless pre-season with strong performances that made it seem like United were due to challenge the following season.
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