Louis van Gaal has told BBC Sport he wants to become the new manager of Manchester United. The 62-year-old Netherlands boss has been the overwhelming favourite for the role since the dismissal of David Moyes on 22 April.
“I would love the job,” said Van Gaal. “I hope that I shall be the one. It’s the biggest club in the world and it’s a fantastic challenge.”
It is anticipated United will confirm the appointment early next week.
With Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola and his Borussia Dortmund counterpart Jurgen Klopp ruled out of the running in the very early stages, interim boss Ryan Giggs deemed too inexperienced and Carlo Ancelotti’s position at Real Madrid made more secure by the Spanish giants reaching the Champions League final, Van Gaal has become the front-runner.
But despite the huge speculation surrounding him, the Dutchman is refusing to accept the job is his.
“You (the media) are thinking I’m the man but the most important thing is whether Manchester United are thinking that,” he said.
“You have to wait and see what the club decides. It’s always the same – it’s always a process and you have to wait for the process, the press are always too fast.”
Van Gaal will not be free to join United until after the World Cup.
And it is clear he is not willing to allow discussion over his future to interfere with his plans for Brazil, having failed to qualify for the 2002 tournament in his first spell with the Netherlands.
“I have to focus on my job,” he said. “I am coach of the Dutch national team. I have waited a long time to be in a World Cup so that’s very important.
“This doesn’t affect me. I have always had offers. I know what the football world is and what it means.”
United had already ruled out any formal announcement this week.
That timescale may have something to do with a planned meeting on Friday between Giggs and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for discussions about the Welshman’s future.
The 40-year-old has yet to accept any coaching position with the Old Trafford outfit and, after introducing himself as a second-half substitute against Hull, he revealed it was still to be decided whether he would extend his playing career by another year.
Giggs has already ruled out the possibility of playing for another club, meaning his 963rd appearance for his United could turn out to be his last.
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