"He needs more time" - Ex-Manchester United boss Van Gaal alludes to his sacking despite FA Cup win as he offers opinion on Ten Hag

Louis van Gaal has insisted Erik ten Hag deserves more time at Manchester United by recalling his reign at Old Trafford. The former Red Devils boss was in charge from July 2014 to May 2016.

Van Gaal spoke about Ten Hag's situation and compared it to his own spell with the Premier League giants. The Ajax advisor said (via Sky Sports):

"Yes of course (he should stay) but I also needed more time. I also won the FA Cup, and before me, 20 years nobody had won the FA Cup. Erik is winning the FA Cup, the first year also (qualifying for the) Champions League so I don't think you have to sack him. He needs more time."

Van Gaal pointed out that Ten Hag isn't without his faults:

"But I can also be more critical, he's not done it fantastically, you can be with a lot of criticsm but he's also shown he's a good manager."

Ten Hag's future is uncertain as the club's co-owners oversee an end-of-season review to decide his fate. The Dutchman led United to an unlikely FA Cup triumph with a 2-1 win against Manchester City in the final.

Mass speculation marred Ten Hag's achievement in winning the second of two trophies since arriving at Old Trafford in July 2022. The former Ajax coach was expected to be sacked after the final, regardless of the result.

Van Gaal's reign ended similarly as Manchester United showed him the door in 2016. He'd just led his side to the FA Cup with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace (a.e.t) in the final at Wembley.

The highly experienced Dutch tactician oversaw 54 wins in 103 games in charge. His brand of football was often criticized, which has been the case for Ten Hag this season. An eighth-placed finish and questionable performances have put his job at risk.

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"Commercial club" - Van Gaal warned Ten Hag against the Manchester United job

The Glazers have been slammed throughout their ownership.

Van Gaal previously warned Ten Hag about taking the Manchester United manager's role. His compatriot was closing in on becoming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's successor in 2022 when he was urged to consider the move (via the aforementioned source):

"Manchester United are a commercial club, so it's a difficult choice for a coach. He'd better go to a football club. I'm not going to advise him, he'll call me himself. But he must choose a football club and not a commercial club."

Van Gaal spent his spell at Old Trafford under the ownership of the Glazers, who have largely been blamed for United's post-Sir Alex Ferguson struggles. The American business family has been accused of using the club for profit rather than trying to have them compete at the top of European football.

Manchester United has new co-owners after Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club. The British billionaire's INEOS team oversees the Red Devils' sporting operations and is working on the end-of-season review.