Louis van Gaal has suggested that Ed Woodward’s departure from Manchester United gives Eric ten Hag the chance of success at Old Trafford
Netherlands coach Van Gaal received a sizzling criticism of former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward ahead of his side’s Nations League match against Wales in Cardiff.
Van Gaal, who managed United between 2014 and 2016 before being sacked, warned fellow Dutchman Tin Hag of the dangers of going to Old Trafford in March.
He said Tin Hag should consider turning down the manager’s job there because United is a “commercial club” and it would be “better for him to go to a football club”.
New leadership can make a difference at United
Ajax coach Eric Ten Hag and Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal
However, Ten Hag left Ajax to take over United last month and Van Gaal said: “There is now new leadership.
“It was Woodward and now it’s Richard Arnold and it could make the difference. So we’ll have to wait and see.
“He (Tin Hag) has great confidence. Who am I to say something about that?”
Timber to United? Van Gaal: “He should play”
Ajax’s Jurrien Timber has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Tin Hag is said to be keen on a quick return to his former club to sign Jurrien Timber.
The 20-year-old Ajax defender is part of the Netherlands squad at Cardiff.
Timber is expected to play on Wednesday with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, who has been on leave after a difficult season for club and country.
Van Gaal said Timber should play with the first team to make up his squad for the World Cup later this year.
He said: “I think a player of his level can play in the Premier League. That’s not a problem.
“If he has to take such a big step now, that is the question.
“(If he doesn’t play) he’s not wise, I think. He has to play.”
“Training this team is a gift to me”
The Dutch team Louis van Gaal will meet Wales in the Nations League on Wednesday
Van Gaal revealed in April that he has prostate cancer.
The 70-year-old later said the “25 radiotherapy treatments” he had for the disease had been successful.
“This is not the moment to talk about my illness,” Van Gaal said.
“But I can assure you that I can train because this group is a gift to me. In my career I have never coached such a group before.”