• Premier League

Van Gaal: I want the United job

Louis van Gaal insists that he wants to become Manchester United's new manager, but claims he has other options to consider as well.

Van Gaal, 62, is tipped to take charge of the English giants following the end of Netherlands' World Cup campaign in Brazil this summer. The Dutchman could become the first non-British or Irish manager ever appointed at Old Trafford and is favourite to replace David Moyes, who was sacked on April 22 after 296 days in charge.

Now, the former coach of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax has confirmed how keen he is on the position.

The new Special One

Louis van Gaal is in Holland making his pre-World Cup preparations © PA Photos

• Louis van Gaal could rival Jose Mourinho as the Premier League's 'Special One' if, as expected, the Dutchman is appointed Manchester United manager, according to his former assistant.
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"I would love the job," Van Gaal told BBC Sport, speaking at the start of a three-day Dutch World Cup training camp. "I hope that I shall be the one. It's the biggest club in the world and it's a fantastic challenge."

He added: "You [the media] are thinking I'm the man but the most important thing is whether Manchester United are thinking that.''

Van Gaal also warned United that they face a fight to secure his services next season, in quotes to reporters in Holland.

"There are more clubs interested," he said. "I have more options. It is a process we're in and everybody has to wait patiently on my choice and that of the clubs."

The widespread expectation was that Van Gaal would be confirmed as Moyes' successor on Wednesday but sources have told ESPN that no announcement is likely until after Sunday's game at Southampton with reports suggesting the club want to settle on the composition of the new-look management team and decide which out-of-contract players to retain.

Interim manager Ryan Giggs said after Tuesday's 3-1 win over Hull: "Nothing has changed since Saturday. It could be the next few days, it could be the next couple of weeks [when a manager is appointed]."

United's hopes of keeping a link to the 'Class of 92' appeared to improve after reports in Holland claimed Patrick Kluivert, Van Gaal's assistant as Netherlands manager, will not be joining him at Old Trafford.

Phil Neville has already gone on record as saying he is keen to remain as part of the coaching setup under Van Gaal.

However, Giggs remains unsure of whether he wants to carry on playing or commit to management fully at United or elsewhere.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd