It's been six years since Louis van Gaal was relieved of his duties as Manchester United manager, and rarely has the Dutchman had a kind word to say about the club.
Although Van Gaal has always spoken warmly of the Red Devils fan base and the club's behind-the-scenes staff, his cutting verdicts on recently-departed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, the club's "commercial" focus and the brutal way in which he was sacked mere hours after winning the FA Cup have been telling.
There's no love lost between the 70-year-old and his former employers, and United are on shaky ground with him again in their pursuit of multiple transfer targets who he now manages for the Netherlands.
Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber - two players who new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag brought through at Ajax - are on the club's shopping list this summer, but currently find themselves on international duty with Van Gaal. While the Champions League-winning coach has been complimentary about the two stars and their talents, United supporters have been left frustrated when it comes to his opinion on their potential transfers.
Despite it being reported that Barcelona would be willing to let De Jong go for a fee similar to the €75 million (now £63m), which they paid for him in 2019 to ease their woeful financial predicament, Van Gaal's valuation is much higher.
Following the midfielder's impressive performance as a substitute in their dramatic 2-1 Nations League victory over Wales - secured by a 94th-minute winner in which De Jong played a part - the Oranjes boss declared: "Frenkie de Jong does bring an extra quality, of course. That is why he is also worth €112 million [£95.3m]."
If Barcelona - another of his ex-clubs - get wind of that figure, it could hike up their asking price and force the Red Devils to fork out even more cash in order to acquire Ten Hag's top target. Not only has Van Gaal offered his thoughts on De Jong's hotly-debated future, but Holland teammate Timber, too.
Ahead of the Wales win, the Netherlands manager was asked what would would happen if the versatile defender headed to Old Trafford but struggled for game time before the winter World Cup. "Then he's not so wise I think," Van Gaal replied, as laid his feelings bare. "He has to play."
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The Dutch tactician added on Timber: "I think a player with his qualities can play in the Premier. That's not a problem. But if he has to make this big step now – that's the question."
Sabotage - as many fans have called it - is a strong accusation, but it's clear to see that Van Gaal remains bitter about his time in Manchester. He's often referred to the star-studded list of targets, which he put forward to the board and wasn't given, including N'Golo Kante and Robert Lewandowski. Now, though, it's Ten Hag who doesn't seem to be able to get what he wants.
