Erik ten Hag hasn’t performed exceptionally well yet, but he requires additional time to succeed at Manchester United.

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has come to the defense of current Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, stating that he needs more time to prove himself at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag led the club to their 13th FA Cup triumph in his second season in charge, but also oversaw their worst league finish in 34 years during the 2023/24 campaign.

There have been rumors of Ten Hag’s departure from United this summer, with new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to make changes to the team.

Van Gaal, who was sacked as United manager in 2016 after two years, believes that he deserved more time and feels the same for his compatriot Ten Hag.

Reflecting on his own time at United, Van Gaal said, “Yes of course (Ten Hag should stay), but I also needed more time, at that time. I also won the FA Cup, and before me, for 20 years nobody had won the FA Cup. Now, Erik has won the FA Cup and also qualified for the Champions League in his first year. I don’t think you have to sack him, he needs more time.”

While Van Gaal acknowledges that Ten Hag has not been perfect, he believes that he has shown himself to be a good manager.

Another Dutch manager, Arne Slot, is set to join the Premier League by succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Van Gaal believes that Liverpool have made a “very good choice” in Slot, but warns that following in Klopp’s footsteps will be difficult after his successful nine-year tenure.

Van Gaal describes Slot as the best technical coach from the Netherlands at the moment and believes that he will bring his expertise to Liverpool. However, he acknowledges the challenge of replacing Klopp, who has done a fantastic job at the club.