Edwin van der Sar: Louis van Gaal is the best manager I have ever played for

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has revealed that he regards compatriot Louis van Gaal as the best manager he played under during his prestigious playing career, report the Mirror.

The Dutch coach has reportedly been in talks with the Red Devils to succeed David Moyes, who was sacked seven days ago following a disastrous debut campaign at the helm, but will remain in charge of the Netherland’s senior side until after the World Cup.

While a number of high profile managerial targets including Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti have ruled themselves out of the vacancy, Van Gaal has emerged as the frontrunner for the Old Trafford outfit’s top job.

Meanwhile, van der Sar, who played under van Gaal at Ajax in the 1990s, rates the 62-year-old above former United chief Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I will say more about Louis and United once his appointment his official. But I have made it clear here before that Louis van Gaal is the best manager I have ever played for,” he declared.

With United believed to be closing in on an agreement with van Gaal, the World Cup schedule could hinder his arrival at the club, as he has an arrangement with the Dutch Football Federation not to discuss his future with any third parties once Holland’s preparations for the tournament have begun.

United’s activity in the transfer market will be crucial this summer as they failed to secure several of their primary targets last year and if van Gaal cannot take charge until late July it could prove to be detrimental for their season’s plans.

Manchester United have lost six Premier League matches at Old Trafford this season – double their amount of defeats on home turf during the 2012/13 season.