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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Tyrone Marshall

Erik ten Hag responds to Louis van Gaal Manchester United criticism

Erik ten Hag has hit back at Louis van Gaal's criticism of Manchester United as being a club focused on commercial revenues rather than on-pitch success.

The former United boss advised Ten Hag to "choose a football club and not a commercial club" for his next job, but although Ten Hag did speak to Van Gaal, he didn't pay too much attention to that advice.

Van Gaal is one of five permanent United managers to have failed since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and Ten Hag is the latest to try and bring success back to the club.

READ MORE: Ten Hag gives verdict of United captaincy and Maguire

He arrives after United's worst season in decades and Van Gaal's criticism in March is one of several daggers that have been plunged into the club this season.

Ten Hag did canvas the views of Van Gaal, a preeminent voice among Dutch coaches, but revealed he would draw his own conclusions about the state of the club.

He raised Van Gaal's views in talks with the club over the job and is satisfied that football success is the top priority for United.

“I have heard [Van Gaal's comments], but I draw my own line. I’m convinced this will not be the case," said Ten Hag.

"I spoke with the directors about it. Football is one, two and three at this club and every club these days is commercial. Every club needs it, needs the revenues to be at the top, to do it is necessary but football is one, two, three at this club."

Ten Hag spoke to Van Gaal and his former Ajax player Daley Blind, as well as others, about the task at United and life at Old Trafford.

“I spoke with more people who have experience with this club, with experts, but I will draw my own line. I spoke with Louis, I was at his movie premiere," he said.

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