Ronald Koeman to replace ex-Man United boss Louis van Gaal as Netherlands coach after World Cup

The Royal Dutch Football Association has confirmed that Ronald Koeman will replace former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal as the Netherlands national team manager following this year's World Cup.

The KNVB have announced that the former Southampton and Barcelona boss, who was previously in charge of the Netherlands national team between February 2018 and August 2020, will take charge from next year. It means that his first major tournament in charge, should they qualify, will be the European Championship in Germany in 2024.

Koeman has agreed a long-term contract that will see him remain in charge up until the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes just days after Van Gaal revealed that he is battling prostate cancer.

READ MORE: Manchester United have wildcard selection gamble that can improve poor form

Appearing on Dutch TV show 'Humberto' on Sunday evening, Van Gaal was talking about his new film - 'LOUIS' - in which his cancer is addressed. He confirmed that his form of cancer is aggressive and that he has already undergone 25 rounds of treatment.

Van Gaal said: "In each period during my time as manager of the national team, I had to leave in the night to go to the hospital without the players finding it out until now, while thinking I was healthy. But I am not.

"I didn't want to tell it to my players because it could have influenced their performances. I have a lot of discipline and willpower.

"I can do the job because I like it. I like to work with this squad. This is a present for me at a late age, this is how I see it."

Ahead of replacing Van Gaal and taking charge of his country for a second time, Koeman, in a statement, said: "I am looking forward to the new collaboration. A little over a year and a half