Louis van Gaal has dropped his Erik ten Hag verdict. (Image: GETTY/SKY)
Louis van Gaal admits his Dutch compatriot Erik ten Hag hasn't been "fantastic" in his two years as Manchester United manager. However, the former Red Devils boss doesn't believe Ten Hag deserves to suffer the same fate as he did after achieving FA Cup glory in 2016.
Van Gaal replaced David Moyes in the Old Trafford dugout in 2014 and lifted United's first piece of silverware post-Sir Alex Ferguson two years later.
But he was sacked two days later amid backlash about his style of play and the availability of the long-linked Jose Mourinho, who later took charge.
Ten Hag's FA Cup victory against Manchester City last month unsurprisingly drew parallels to Van Gaal, considering the uncertainty over his future.
Another Dutch coach appeared destined for the sack regardless of the outcome at Wembley Stadium, having overseen United's worst-ever Premier League campaign.
But INEOS have delayed a decision on Ten Hag's future after watching his side stun City 2-1 to lift a second major trophy in as many years at the helm.
Amid a season review, during which United's new football hierarchy are weighing up whether to replace Ten Hag, Van Gaal has called on them to stick with his fellow countryman.
Louis van Gaal also won the FA Cup at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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"Yes, of course [I would give him more time], but I also needed more time," Van Gaal told Sky Sports.
"I also won the FA Cup, and before me, [for 12 years], nobody won the FA Cup [at Manchester United].
"Now, Erik has won the FA Cup and, in his first year, also [qualified for] the Champions League. So, I don't think they have to sack him. He needs more time."
United finished eighth in the Premier League, missing out on European football entirely before booking a Europa League spot through their FA Cup win.
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The M16 giants also faced humiliation in the Champions League, crashing out rock bottom of Group A with just one win from six fixtures against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
And Van Gaal has been characteristically honest about how Ten Hag has fared at his old place of work, admitting he must improve.
He added: "But I can also be more critical. He has not done fantastically. You can have a lot of criticism, but he has also shown that he is a good manager."
INEOS' season review looks set to enter a third week, with supporters growing increasingly frustrated as a crucial summer transfer window grows ever closer.
