Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that he will retire when he departs Old Trafford.
The Dutchman joined the Premier League outfit in the summer of 2014 having led the Netherlands to the World Cup semi-finals where they eventually lost to runners-up Argentina.
Van Gaal signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Old Trafford and after a rather shaky start to life in England, has steadied the ship, guiding United to fourth in the Premier League ahead of the huge clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
And in an interview with the Telegraph’s Henry Winter, the 63-year-old explained that he would see out his three years with the 20-times league champions before retiring – but is determined to lead them into the Champions League this season.
“This is my last job. For sure,” Van Gaal said.
“I have to pay attention to my kids, my grandchildren but also to my wife. They deserve it. Now I cannot pay that attention. I was not at the birthday of my grandson for example. I don’t like it.”
Van Gaal oversaw his side’s comfortable 3-0 win over Tottenham last weekend – a performance which has led many into claiming was their finest of the season – and the Dutchman believes his team are now playing in the manner in which he wants.
“When I drive my car for the first time in England it is the same, I have to think about the left and the right,” he said.
“That we have seen with United. Against Spurs you have seen that. That shows they can do things together as a team. That takes time. In Germany (at Bayern), it took until December. And now until March (with United).”
The Red Devils currently sit in fourth place, two points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, and Van Gaal is adamant that his side need to qualify for the Champions League in order for club to continue attracting the highest calibre player.
“That’s our goal, yes, and it depends on how we end this season,” he said.
“We have to qualify for the Champions League and we have many tests next year. That also develops the level of your team, and of course how many players can come in to improve our selection.”