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Robben dives in to back Van Gaal

Arjen Robben worked under Louis van Gaal with the Netherlands © Getty Images

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Arjen Robben is backing Louis van Gaal to guide Manchester United back to the Champions League at his first attempt and says the Old Trafford club belong in Europe's elite competition.

Robben, the Bayern Munich winger, was heavily linked with a move to United in the summer, his impressive performances on Van Gaal's watch with the Netherlands at the World Cup fuelling speculation about a move for the former Chelsea player.

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That move failed to materialse but it is clear that Robben has huge admiration for both Van Gaal and United.

"I have worked with Louis van Gaal at Bayern as well as with Holland, so I have known him for a very long time," Robben said.

"He's one of the few coaches, I think, who can make teams play better. He makes players better. United have some young, talented players and I have no doubts that he will do well at Old Trafford.

"He'll get Manchester United back into the Champions League next season, where they belong. They are such a big club and that is where they belong."

Robben has been following United's progress under Van Gaal this season, as he is clearly eager for his former manager to succeed in his first Premier League posting.

"I haven't spoken to him recently, but I was very happy for him that he won the game against QPR," added Robben of United's 4-0 win last Sunday. "Hopefully, now he can show that he will do very well, but he needs time.

"I know how it works. If you are not winning, you get the pressure, but the owners and the management at United know what sort of coach they have got and I am very confident he will be successful there."

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