Manchester manager Louis van Gaal made one of the most famous blunders in his career at Old Trafford when he called Chris Smalling ‘Mike’ Smalling, but he has now revealed a new, even more bizarre nickname for the English defender.
While his team may sometimes make their fans want to cry when they play boring, goalless football, Louis van Gaal sure knows how to make the fans laugh with the funny things he says and does at press conferences. His latest exploit in this field is when he revealed that he has a new nickname for centre-back Chris Smalling, who he mistakenly referred to as Mike in a famous incident.
Pele at Manchester United
“Michael is an easy name for me! I said to “Mike” Smalling that I call him Pele now because he did a fantastic move, so it’s easier to call him Pele now!”, the Dutchman joked after being asked about the mistake, according to The Metro.
The Brazilian striker is one of the all time greats of football and being compared to him would be a compliment for any footballer in the world. We are struggling to understand just how Smalling, who is a traditional tough and strong English defender, is similar to the legendary forward Pele.
Michael on Van Gaal’s mind
The joke made by Van Gaal came after he referred to yet another player as Michael. This time it was striker Will Keane, who has been recalled from his loan at Preston North End by the Red Devils. Is age finally catching up to the 64-year-old Dutchman, or is there a Michael that has been haunting his thoughts?
Michale Jordan, Mike Tyson, Michael Ballack. Who knows?
