EPL: Van Gaal for Man United
The Dutchman has not yet signed a
contract to succeed David Moyes as
permanent boss at Old Trafford but the
terms of a three-year deal have been
finalised
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent
Louis Van Gaal has agreed a deal to become
the next manager of Manchester United , Goal
understands.
The Dutchman has finalised the terms of a
contract with a United delegation headed by
the Glazer family in the last 24 hours.
Van Gaal is expected to sign a short-term
contract of no more than three years and
take over at Old Trafford when his stint with
the Netherlands national team finishes after
the World Cup.
A United delegation including executive vice-
chairman Ed Woodward and one of the Glazer
brothers have been negotiating the precise
terms of the deal at Van Gaal’s villa in the
Algarve.
Although United today publicly distanced
themselves from rumours that Van Gaal has
already put pen to paper, they have not
denied that terms have been agreed between
the two parties.
As reported by Goal, Van Gaal held initial
talks with United last week and told friends
he was "very keen" on taking over at Old
Trafford after the World Cup.
Van Gaal, who turns 63 in August, represents
a relatively short-term fix and a considerable
departure from the long-term planning
trumpeted by United in the wake of David
Moyes’ appointment 11 months ago.
However, following Moyes’ disastrous
tenure, which came to an abrupt end when he
was sacked on Tuesday, United chiefs have
put their faith in an experienced manager
with a proven track record of success.
Van Gaal’s outstanding CV which features
league titles in three different countries, has
outweighed reservations about his abrasive
reputation and possible unavailability until
the second week of July, should Holland
reach the World Cup final.
He is reportedly set to appoint former
Holland, Newcastle United and Ajax striker
Patrick Kluivert to his backroom staff.
Van Gaal, who had been installed as the
bookmaker’s favourite to replace Moyes in
the wake of the Scot’s dismissal, has made
no secret of his desire to coach a Premier
League club after the World Cup.
The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and
Ajax boss has had three meetings with
Tottenham but, as interest from Old Trafford
grew, told the Spurs hierarchy that he was
not interested in taking over at White Hart
Lane. He was also approached by Arsenal
due to uncertainty over the future of Arsene
Wenger, but has decided to take on the
challenge of restoring United to pre-
eminence.
The Dutchman regards United as one of the
world’s top clubs and believes they would
represent a perfect final chapter of what has
been a glittering coaching career.
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