Erik ten Hag deserves more time at Manchester United, former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal believes. The Dutchman has come to the defence of his compatriot and insisted that although the first two seasons under Ten Hag have not been ideal, the 54-year-old is a “good manager” and should remain in charge at Old Trafford beyond the summer, despite rumours of a potential exit.
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended fellow Dutchman and current Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, insisting that he “needs more time” at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag delivered the club’s 13th FA Cup triumph at the end of his second season in charge, but also led United to their worst league finish for 34 years during the 2023/24 campaign.
The former Ajax boss has been heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford this summer, with new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised to make changes on and off the pitch ahead of the new season.
Back in 2016, Van Gaal was sacked as Man Utd manager after two years, following fourth and fifth-placed finishes in the Premier League. He also delivered FA Cup success in his second season to end the club’s 12-year wait for the trophy.
The former Netherlands coach insisted that he deserved more time at Old Trafford to turn things around, and feels the same for compatriot Ten Hag.
“Yes of course [Ten Hag should stay], but I also needed more time, at that time,” Van Gaal told Sky Sports, reflecting on his own short time at Man Utd.
“I also won the FA Cup, and before me, for 20 years nobody has won the FA Cup. Now, Erik has won the FA Cup and also in his first year [qualified for] the Champions League.
“I don’t think you have to sack him, he needs more time.
“But I can also be more critical, he has not done it fantastically. You can [give him] a lot of criticism, but he has shown he’s a good manager.”
Another Dutch manager, Arne Slot, is set to arrive in the Premier League by succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Van Gaal believes the club have made “a very good choice” in Slot, but warns following in the footsteps of Klopp will be difficult after nine illustrious years on Merseyside.
“It’s a big job because Jurgen Klopp has done it fantastically, he is the successor, so it’s always more difficult,” Van Gaal explained.
“But he is a good technical coach. I think, at the moment, with respect to both, he is the best technical coach from the Netherlands.”
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
