• Premier League

United deny deal with Van Gaal

Richard Jolly | ESPN FC
April 26, 2014
Louis van Gaal is favourite to become the new Manchester United manager © Getty Images
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Manchester United have denied that Louis van Gaal has agreed to become their next manager.

Old Trafford sources told ESPN that the club had taken the first steps towards appointing Van Gaal, and Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Saturday that the 62-year-old had now reached an agreement with United.

However, United said in a statement: "We have not signed a new manager. When we have something to report, we will announce it."

Former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Van Gaal will lead the Netherlands in the World Cup but has confirmed his intention to return to club management after the summer tournament in Brazil.

It was claimed in his homeland that he would bring Patrick Kluivert with him as assistant manager and Franks Hoek as goalkeeping coach. De Telegraaf said he has made recommendations to United's owners as to the players he wishes to sign, with €100 million (£83m) apparently at his disposal.

United are currently being led by interim manager Ryan Giggs after David Moyes was dismissed on Tuesday, with the club seventh in the Premier League and unable to qualify for the Champions League. Giggs is being assisted by his former team-mates Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville.

United had denied claims that Van Gaal had met co-owner Joel Glazer four weeks earlier.

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that United should appoint Giggs on a full-time basis after his four-game stint as interim boss.

This article first appeared on ESPNFC

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