Louis van Gaal changes his opinion on Ten Hag

Once critical of his move to Manchester United, former Man United boss, Louis van Gaal is drumming support for his compatriot, Erik ten Hag ahead of the next campaign.

The former Netherlands coach is now expressing his support for Erik ten Hag, urging the club to retain the former Ajax boss in his role as manager despite a challenging season.

The United hierarchy is conducting a comprehensive review following a campaign that saw the team achieve their lowest-ever Premier League finish but secure the FA Cup.

The club’s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has initiated several off-pitch changes, fueling speculation about potential changes in the dugout. However, Van Gaal, who was dismissed as United manager in 2016 a day after winning the FA Cup, believes Ten Hag deserves more time at Old Trafford.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Van Gaal stated,

“Yes, of course (he should be given more time). But I also needed more time at that time. I also won the FA Cup and before me, 20 years nobody (at United) won the FA Cup. Now Erik is winning the FA Cup and in the first year also (qualified for) the Champions League, so I don’t think you have to sack him. He needs more time.”

Van Gaal acknowledged that while Ten Hag has not been flawless, he has demonstrated his capabilities as a manager.

“But I can also be more critical. He has not done things fantastically. You can raise a lot of criticism, but he has also shown that he is a good manager.”

In his debut season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag guided United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and clinched the Carabao Cup, marking the club’s first silverware in six years.

However, this season has been more tumultuous. United’s European campaign ended prematurely, as they finished at the bottom of a group featuring Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, and Galatasaray. Additionally, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.

Despite these setbacks, United managed to win the FA Cup, defeating their rivals Manchester City in the final. Nevertheless, the team finished eighth in the Premier League, a significant drop from their previous season’s performance.