Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Van Gaal: Ask United about my contract

Louis van Gaal has refused to be drawn on reports that he has agreed a contract to take over as Manchester United manager.

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Netherlands coach Van Gaal avoided questions about his links with United as he dismissed reporters' questions about his future at a news conference called to announce squad for this summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

"I am here to talk about the national team," he declared. "You should ask Manchester United about my contract."

Meanwhile, former United captain Roy Keane has welcomed the prospect of Van Gaal's arrival at the club, as he suggested the Dutchman's experience makes him a strong candidate for the post.

"Obviously his contract is expiring and it looks like a done deal," Keane told talkSPORT. "It is a straightforward deal from United's point of view.

"He's got vast experience. You hear a lot of things about him and I've heard a lot of things about Van Gaal. If he comes in, I wish him well. Hopefully he is given a lot more time than David Moyes was."

With Van Gaal's appointment seemingly imminent, Keane has suggested the veteran Dutch coach would be wise to keep United legend Ryan Giggs at the club as a member of his backroom staff.

There has been plenty of debate surrounding the Welshman's future in a possible Van Gaal set-up after he took interim charge for United's final four matches of the season, with Keane suggesting his former teammate should at the club and learn from the highly experienced Dutchman.

"Ryan did well in the four games he was in charge," Keane said. "He got two victories, a draw and a defeat, it was a mixed bag. I'm sure he's enjoyed the experience.

"He's said he wants to become a manager, but I certainly think it was way too early for him to get the Man United job. If he's kept on under Van Gaal, he'll only learn more."

Keane went on to back United to return to form next season, as he painted an upbeat picture of their ambitions for the short and long-term future.

"When you're a big club like Man United you have to deal with the set-backs," he added. "We've seen it before when they haven't won a trophy and bounced back. "It's a challenge for the players and the new manager to bounce back and there's no doubt in my mind that they will."

Meanwhile, widespread reports in the British press suggest that United assistant Phil Neville and the club's goalkeeping coach Chris Woods have been told they do not have a future under the incoming manager, with the two men hired by former boss David Moyes seemingly surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

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