Dutch Legend Louis Van Gaal is set to become the next Manchester United manager in the summer according to reliable Dutch newspaper Telegraaf.
United had earlier sacked David Moyes in midweek, the Scot who had a disastrous campaign after taking over from the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer.
The report suggests that the 62 year old will take charge at Old Trafford after he steps down as Dutch national coach at the end of the showcase World Cup in Brazil. It is believed that Van Gaal had reached an agreement last night with the English Giants to take charge in the summer.
The Dutch master was in negotiations with the club’s Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward over the last few days in Portuguese south coast city of Algarve where he has a multi-million villa. A lawyer and one of the Glazer brothers were also present in the meeting.
Usually well-informed Dutch Telegraaf newspaper says Man U have signed Van Gaal as manager-but story not on their homepage. Treat w/ caution
— Simon Kuper (@KuperSimon) April 26, 2014
Van Gaal will have a tough job on his hands as he will have to build a new team capable for fighting for silverware. United aren’t in the Champions League next season but Van Gaal will have a 100m transfer kitty at his disposal.
Tony O’Donoghue, Irish Sports commentator and Group Soccer Correspondent and Ireland’s national radio and television broadcaster also tweeted the news.
Dutch press report that Louis Van Gaal confirmed as next Man Utd boss. Patrick Kluivert as his assistant.
— Tony O’Donoghue (@Corktod) April 26, 2014
The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is a proponent of fluid attacking soccer borne in the philosophy of “Total Football.” The 62 year old greatest moment of triumph came in the 1994-95 season when he guided Ajax to an entire season unbeaten run. Ajax also won the Champions League when they beat AC Milan 1-0 in the final.
The report comes as a bit of surprise to us. The Times reported extensively that Sir Alex Ferguson backed the decision to sack David Moyes and will play a crucial role in appointing the new manager for the club. So, on that basis, we can say that Ferguson gave his consent for appointing the Dutchman as well.
However, according to The Guardian, Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Ryan Giggs, who was given the role on an interim basis on Tuesday, should be the next “permanent” manager of Manchester United.
Former Dutch great Ruud Gullit has congratulated Van Gaal on twitter:
Newspapers in holland confirm that Louis van Gaal is the new head coach of @ManUtd. Gratulations to va … https://t.co/5Acy7VS3Tc
— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) April 26, 2014
Manchester United made a quick response to the rumour, by stating the FACT that they haven’t signed any manager, but at the same time doesn’t not completely rubbishes the story as well.
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