Former Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has urged Erik Ten Hag to turn down the Manchester United job if he is offered it, warning that he the Ajax boss would be better off going to an ‘actual football club’.
Ten Hag is seemingly the favourite to take over at Old Trafford, with talks having begun between the two parties about a potential end of season move to Manchester United, when Ralf Rangnick will take on a more advisory role.
And Fabrizio Romano revealed that there was a ‘positive feeling’ about the move, but that no final decision had been made yet as the ‘club board is still considering other options.’ The likes of Luis Enrique, Roberto Mancini and Mauricio Pochettino have all been linked with the job.
It’s true, Erik ten Hag has been approached by two more clubs after meeting with Manchester United. No final decision yet on Man Utd side – he’s been interviewed last week, positive feeling but club board’s still considering other options. ? #MUFC
More: https://t.co/1EZs2BzNRs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2022
Van Gaal weighs in
Now, Louis Van Gaal has offered his advice to Ten Hag, drawing on his own experience as Manchester United boss. The Dutchman took over after David Moyes was sacked in 2014, and was at the helm for two seasons, before he and United parted ways, with his ‘boring’ style of football one of the reasons cited.
And Van Gaal has warned the current Ajax boss not to jump at the opportunity, and to instead look for a club less central in the media.
‘Erik ten Hag is a great coach and that is always good for Manchester United’, the now Netherlands coach told reporters.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Louis van Gaal Manager of Manchester United celebrates after winning The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2016 in London, England. Man Utd won 2-1 after extra time. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
‘But Manchester United are a commercial club, so it’s a difficult choice for a coach. He’d better go to a football club.’
‘I’m not going to advise him, he’ll call me himself. But he must choose a football club and not a commercial club.’
Whether Ten Hag heeds Van Gaal’s advice is another matter entirely, but should he do so Manchester United may be back to square one in their managerial search.
