Few managers throughout Manchester United's illustrious history have split opinion quite like Louis van Gaal. Whilst results were, on the most part, acceptable, performances certainly weren't.

A stubborn willingness to stick with controversially conservative tactics had LVG's Red Devils career dangling by a thread during the final months of his reign, as fans became increasingly vocal in their dissidence.

Just days after lifting the FA Cup at the end of last season, the first major trophy of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the Dutchman's departure was announced by the club.

Van Gaal's exit paved the way for United to appoint Jose Mourinho, one of the greatest managers of his generation who is expected to bring a consistent supply of silverware back to Old Trafford.

But the grass isn't always greener and 'the Special One' hasn't got off to the most convincing of starts. In fact, the stats suggest United were actually better off under his much-maligned predecessor. We take a look at four which prove just that...

Average age has gone through the roof

man-united-average-age

Mourinho's worrying track record when it comes to developing young players is well known and the above tables, courtesy of Transfermarkt, highlight how he's already compromising one of Manchester United's fundamental principles - giving chances to promising youngsters.

Indeed, the Red Devils had the youngest squad age in the Premier League under Van Gaal last season, (left) but it rose by seven places during Mourinho's first transfer window at the Old Trafford helm - with the Portuguese adding over four years to the average age of each player (right).

United are the Premier League's least effective spenders

united-worst-spenders

Another interesting piece of analysis from the number crunchers at Transfermarkt. The Red Devils kicked off the Jose Mourinho era by unleashing their largest transfer outlay to date during the summer, a staggering £149million, but it's yet to be justified by results.

United have spent the most per goal, per point and per victory throughout the Premier League so far this season, making them the top flight's most ineffective spenders. Admittedly, LVG had some influence, with the above table based on purchase fees fir the entire squad, but Mourinho's summer spree - including an £89million swoop for Paul Pogba - has undoubtedly impacted their rock-bottom ranking.

Win rate only marginally better

LVG 52.4% - 55.6% JOSE

Mourinho's win rate may currently be superior to Louis van Gaal's but certainly not by much - just 3.2% to be precise. And there are some serious caveats to consider; whilst Mourinho's is based on just 18 games, six being the early rounds of the Europa League or the League Cup, LVG's sample stretches to over 100, including the group stages of the Champions League and 76 Premier League fixtures. With that in mind, the Portuguese really should be doing better than simply a marginal gain over his much-maligned predecessor.

United were better off this time last season

lvg-vs-mou

Despite the angst thrown Louis van Gaal's way during his final campaign at Old Trafford, United actually got off to a much better start last season. As the infographic above shows, the Red Devils had won more games, picked up more points, conceded fewer goals and claimed a higher victory percentage across all competitions after eleven Premier League fixtures last term. In fact, the only area where Mourinho beats the Dutchman is goals scored - but even then, the difference is a solitary Premier League strike.