Louis van Gaal has held talks with Erik ten Hag about new Manchester United structure

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes the club can move back towards becoming successful now that Ed Woodward has left Old Trafford.

Woodward left United in February, leaving Richard Arnold to step into his shoes and become the club's new chief executive. Since stepping into the role, Arnold, 51, working alongside football director John Murtough, has faced the challenge of sourcing the club's new manager.

United turned to Erik ten Hag in April, and he officially took charge at Old Trafford last month. Van Gaal previously advised his countryman to consider turning down the job because United are a 'commercial club' and he would be 'better going to a football club'.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag has already done what Ralf Rangnick couldn't with Manchester United's backroom staff

Ten Hag took little notice of the former United boss, accepting the job and filling the void left by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last November. And despite his previous comments, Van Gaal believes the former Ajax boss could prove to be successful.

"I have spoken [to him]. There is now a new leadership, it was Woodward and now it is Richard Arnold," Van Gaal told Voetball International. "And that can make the difference, so we have to wait and see. He [Ten Hag] has a lot of confidence. So who am I to say something about that?"

Meanwhile, Van Gaal admitted that United transfer target Jurrien Timber has the credentials to play in the Premier League. The Ajax defender, who can operate at both right-back and centre-back, is on United's radar ahead of the transfer window officially opening on Friday.

Van Gaal said: "I think a player of his quality can play in the Premier League. That is not a problem. If he has to make this big step now,