Erik ten Hag comment shows he will ignore Louis van Gaal jibes at Manchester United

Manchester United need a strong mind at the helm spearheading their transformation, and Erik ten Hag looks to fit that description.

Being a boss at Old Trafford is pressuring at the best of times, never mind on the back of the club’s worst-ever Premier League showing. He will have to deal with questions, criticism and jibes during his tenure.

In recent weeks, they have come from countryman and former United boss Louis van Gaal. The Dutch coach was sacked in the wake of United's 2016 FA Cup triumph, so there may have been a tone of resentment in his branding of United as a ‘commercial club’ in March.

READ MORE:Louis van Gaal warns Jurrien Timber over potential Manchester United transfer

Van Gaal currently manages the Netherlands national team and so oversees Ten Hag targets Jurrien Timber and Frenkie de Jong. This week, Van Gaal advised Timber that a move to Old Trafford may be premature.

He said: “I think a player with his qualities can play in the Premier League. That’s not a problem. But if he has to make this step now... that's another question. It is not so wise I think [to join United ]. He has to play."

Ten Hag inferred he had spoken to Van Gaal and former United defender Daley Blind, who worked under him at Ajax, before his first United press conference last month. When asked about it in the media meet, he said: "I spoke with more people who have experience with this club. Experts, but finally I will draw my own line."

It sent a clear message that he is confident in his own judgement, and who can blame him having won three Eredivisie titles on the trot. It also shows a clarity of mind.

He knows of Van Gaal ’s past ties with United. The 70-year-old makes up a trio of former United managers to throw shade at