• Premier League

Van Gaal should be given more time - Neville

ESPN staff
February 24, 2015
What is Man United's identity?

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes Louis van Gaal should keep his job, even if he fails to guide the club back into the Champions League.

Neville has faced criticism from Van Gaal for previous comments about the current side but, even so, he believes the Dutch coach needs to be given time.

David Moyes was sacked by United last season after it become mathematically impossible for his side to qualify for the Champions League, but Neville suggested his successor should not be judged by the same criteria.

When asked by talkSPORT whether failure to finish in the Premier League's top four should mean the end for the United manager, Neville said: "Louis van Gaal should not be sacked, even though it would be a terrible season for Man United and Louis van Gaal. He would probably say it was a big failure because he knows his job this season - he has to get in the Champions League.

"But, on the other hand, if he didn't, no, you can't just sack a manager one year and then sack another manager the year after. Where do you go from there?

"There has to be a level of continuity. I absolutely believe this time there will be continuity at Man United and they will stand by him even if he doesn't finish in the top four and that's the right thing to do."

Louis van Gaal has been tasked with returning Manchester United to the Champions League © Getty Images
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