MANCHESTER: Louis van Gaal has urged Manchester United to retain Erik ten Hag as manager.
The club's management have yet to decide on Ten Hag's fate after the club suffered its worst finish in the English Premier League in decades.
Ten Hag, however, led the team to FA Cup victory, beating Manchester City 2-1 in the final last month.
United fans are now in two minds about whether they want Ten Hag to continue or not. Van Gaal, however, defended his fellow countryman.
"Of course (he should not be sacked). I also needed more time, at that time (with United)," said Van Gaal.
"I also won the FA Cup, and before me for 20 years, nobody won the FA Cup.
"Erik has now won the FA Cup and also qualified the team for the Champions League in his first year. I do not think you have to sack him, he needs more time.
"But I can also be more critical, he has not done fantastically. You can criticise him, but he has also shown that he is a good manager."
Van Gaal had coached United between 2014 and 2016, and won the FA Cup in 2016.
Ten Hag has blamed injuries for United's decline, with players such as Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund being sidelined for long periods. – AGENCIES