Louis Van Gaal has appeared on Dutch TV in the past half hour and has talked at length about taking on the United job. He revealed that United contacted him as soon as Moyes was sacked, that United wanted him because of his reputation for moulding young players and that Jose Mourinho texted him saying he was "jealous" about the list of clubs he (Van Gaal) has managed.
He began by saying his mission is to get United back on top as soon as possible, a message which should energise Manchester United supporters.
The aim is to bring them back to the number 1 position as soon as possible, because that’s where they were under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Jose Mourinho was the first manager he texted and the first to get back to him. He revealed that Mourinho, who famously coveted the Manchester United job, told him he was jealous about the clubs Van Gaal has managed.
Mourinho was the first one I texted. And he was the first one to text me back. He said he was jealous of my list of clubs.
Van Gaal added that United went after him because of his ability to mould young players, a reputation he earned during his legendary spell at Ajax, when he built a side of 21 and 22 year olds who went on to claim the Champions League in 1995.
He says he will meet Fergie before taking up the role full time and also recalled that he was in the running for the job in 2002, and met Ferguson at the time.
I’ll undoubtedly have a drink with Ferguson. We’ve done that before. We like each other.
He also said rather bluntly.
We (Him and United board) talked about the players I want. We’ll have to see if we can get them. We also talked about who can go
H-T: Elko Born
