Former Holland international Ronald de Boer has warned Manchester United players that Louis van Gaal is “very strict” but that he excels at getting the very best from his squad.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, De Boer, who played under van Gaal at Ajax and Barcelona and was also part of Van Gaal’s Dutch squad, admitted to having felt intimidated by the 62 year-old.
“When I was young, I was scared of him and feared him a bit.”
Despite carrying a reputation as a relentless task-master, de Boer feels Van Gaal’s focus and clear strategies are infectious with players motivated to carry out his playing philosophy to a tee.
“Everyone knows which direction he is aiming for and everyone will follow that. When he watches, you give a little more effort in what you’re doing.”
De Boer also spoke to Talksport about Van Gaal’s appointment and identified his record with developing younger players as something he’ll be determined to continue at Old Trafford, despite substantial funds set to be made available for him this summer.
If you look back at Ajax, Barcelona and even Bayern Munich, he left something behind, like a foundation. He will do that with Manchester United. He is very well organised, structured and he likes to know what is happening in the club, even with players of a young age.”
De Boer pointed to the impressive array of talent that Van Gaal has identified and promoted across the various club teams he’s managed – a track record that, in theory, bodes well for his new employers.
“When he has a chance to put in young players, he will do so. He did it at Ajax with (Patrick) Kluivert and (Clarence) Seedorf, at Barcelona with Xavi and (Carles) Puyol and at Bayern Munich with (Thomas) Muller and (Holger) Badstuber. He’s very keen to bring through young players.”
