Rohan Sengupta
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has launched another scathing attack on his former employers but his plan for revenge backfired on the Dutchman. The Dutch coach joined the Red Devils after David Moyes’ ill-fated reign and there was plenty of excitement from fans after his success with the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup.
Van Gaal took a substandard Netherlands team farther than what most expected, playing bold, easy on the eye and attractive football as well. However, he couldn’t match United’s lofty expectations despite taking the club back into Champions League football in his first try.
With the Red Devils missing out on Europe’s elite competition in his second season in charge, the board decided to sever the ties and bring in Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by Chelsea for the second time, in 2015.
Van Gaal led Manchester United to FA Cup glory in his second season in charge but was sacked just two days later. Having criticised Mourinho’s playing style and suggesting he could return to the Premier League to “get one over” on United, he has now blamed the club for him missing out on the Belgium national team job.
“I think the manner in which Manchester United treated me was horrible and treacherous as well,” the 66-year-old told Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant (h/t Daily Star).
“I had plenty of offers of work after I left United. The Belgian FA wanted me to become their national coach. But I couldn’t take a job with anyone for a year, because of the conditions United attached to my severance payment.
“So I missed out on the Belgium job, among others, despite thinking it would be a terrific challenge. I felt so resentful about letting this opportunity slip.
“It was stupid, as sporting considerations are the most important. But back then I felt it was more about taking revenge on United, and that they should have to pay me the maximum amount.”
However, the Dutchman believed Barcelona did it much better in similar circumstances in 2003.
“The way Barcelona’s president Josep Lluis Nunez behaved with me was fantastic. Not everyone in the world of football is a fake,” he added.
Whether a third season would’ve helped the Van Gaal or not no one will ever know but I think our board did a really good job to get the Special One on board.
