• Premier League

Van Gaal expecting United decision imminently

Louis van Gaal has told the Dutch Football Federation that he will have definite news about his bid to become Manchester United manager later this week.

The national coach has been interviewed by United as they look for a successor to David Moyes, although the Premier League club denied reports of talks on Saturday, before Ryan Giggs won his first match as interim player-manager, a deal had been agreed with the 62-year-old.

Why United must not appoint Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs watches his side from the touchline © PA Photos

• Ryan Giggs may be a Manchester United legend who has the club's fans and players on his side but he needs to serve his apprenticeship in management.
• Ian Darke says the caretaker manager who has put a smile back on the faces of those around Old Trafford is not in the same managerial league as Louis van Gaal or Carlo Ancelotti.
• Continue reading here

Van Gaal has confirmed he will leave his job with the Dutch national team after this summer's World Cup and Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) spokesman Kees Jansma told the Mirror: "I spoke to Louis on Friday. He told me nothing is definite yet. However, there is something going on, but he expects that not until somewhere this week he can tell more."

Holland have a 10-day training camp starting on May 7 and any move for Van Gaal may have to be tied up with reports that he has promised the KNVB not to have talks with any clubs once work has started with the Dutch team.

Van Gaal is the favourite to replace Moyes after Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has also been linked the job, said on Monday that he wants to stay at the Bernabeu and there had been no contact from United. Giggs is deemed too inexperienced by the club hierarchy to stay in charge on a permanent basis.

The deal is reportedly being held up by the size of the backroom team Van Gaal wants to install with him at Old Trafford. There could be as many as five men on his wanted list and such a large team would make it difficult for Giggs or another former United player such as Paul Scholes to be integrated.

However, Edwin van der Sar, who played in Van Gaal's 1995 Champions League-winning Ajax side, suggested it would be a mistake to pass over his countryman because it he the finest manager the former United goalkeeper has played for.

Van der Sar, who also played for Sir Alex Ferguson during his six seasons at Old Trafford and Ancelotti during his time at Juventus, said: "I have made it clear here before that Louis van Gaal is the best manager I have ever played for."

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