Former Manchester United and now Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has told Erik ten Hag to steer clear of the manager’s job at England giants.
Ten Hag has been interviewed as part of United’s search for a new permanent manager.
But when asked whether the Ajax coach should consider a move to Old Trafford, Van Gaal said the 52-year-old should think twice.
“I think Ten Hag is a great coach; I said that multiple times,” Van Gaal said at a news conference Monday.
“A great coach is good for Man United. But Man United is a commercial club. Those are difficult choices for a coach. As a coach, you should prefer a football club.”
Van Gaal, appointed Netherlands coach last year, was critical of United’s pre-season tour plans during his first summer in charge in 2014. He complained that there was too much focus on making money rather than getting the team ready for the new season.
“We have to prepare for the season, and when you have commercial activities and dreadful distances — having to fly a lot and the jet lag — it is not positive for a good preparation,” he said at the time.
Van Gaal went on to win the FA Cup in 2016 but was sacked immediately after the final and replaced with Jose Mourinho.
Ten Hag is one of four names on United’s shortlist to be their next permanent manager, alongside Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui.
