Manchester United Rumors: Pep Guardiola To Replace Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford?
Louis Van Gaal signed a three-year deal after the 2014 World Cup to manage Manchester United. The deal was made after David Moyes' disastrous season, which saw the 20-time English Champions fail to qualify for any European competition and finish seventh in the table, per BBC Sport. After a slow start to last season's campaign, Van Gaal was quoted by BBC Sport, saying, "The process shall take more than one year. It shall take three years. I feel for the fans in the first place and the board because they have a great belief in me, my staff and my players."
The former Dutch National Team coach recently admitted to The Mirror that it would be difficult for him to monitor the emerging young players of United, including Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial, as he would only manage the Red Devils until the 2016-2017 season. He said, "It would be difficult to see this team reach its potential because that would mean I would have to stay."
"You have seen what I have said about that and I always do the things I have said. I am a trainer-coach who believes in youth and I believe I have a very good eye for young talent. I know they are not ready yet, but that is why I have said that this team is more for my successor than for myself," Van Gaal added.
The 64-year-old manager will have 18 months to repair United for his successor, which he expects to be his current assistant coach and Old Trafford legend Ryan Giggs. The Independent reports that fans in attendance has quoted Van Gaal saying, "I feel I am now I introducing the next manager of Manchester United when I introduce Mr. Ryan Giggs."
According to Bleacher Report, United has their sights set on Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola. The Spanish manager is one of the best managers today, leading Barcelona to three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. But in a report by Sky Sports, Guardiola is still undecided on his future with the German club.
"This is the first and the last time that I will talk about it. I am coach of Bayern. I am grateful to be here. I have not yet decided what the best thing for the club is, but I am doing my best and I will do my best," the two-time Bundesliga winner said.
Sky Sports also reports that Former Bayern midfielder Stefan Effenberg is certain that Guardiola will leave the club. The 44-year-old Spaniard jokingly responded, "I have not decided yet. Maybe Effenberg, who was a great legend for Bayern, knows more about it than me, maybe I should give him a call."
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