Louis Van Gaal Hints at Manchester United Exit, Pep Guardiola Reportedly Eyed

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested he will leave the club when his contract expires in 2017, with Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola identified as a front-runner to succeed him.

The Dutchman hinted it would be “difficult” for him to oversee the development of an emerging, young squad at Old Trafford. The Sunday Mirror’s Simon Mullock pointed out Guardiola as an option to take the reins following his exit. He also provided quotes from the current United boss:

"

It would be difficult to see this team reach its potential because that would mean I would have to stay. You have seen what I have said about that - and I always do the things I have said.

I am a trainer-coach who believes in youth and I believe I have a very good eye for young talent.

[…]

Okay, I know they are not ready yet, but that is why I have said that this team is more for my successor than for myself.

"

Van Gaal will have been in management for more than 30 years by the time his contract comes to an end in just over 18 months’ time, having first led former club AZ Alkmaar as player-assistant manager in 1986.

The 64-year-old has been open regarding his decision to retire in 2017, voicing a desire to spend more time with his wife in future, per ESPN FC’s Richard Jolly: "I will give it up [in 2017]. I promised that to my wife. We have not many years together any more. That is the reason.”

Mullock’s report also mentions club legend Ryan Giggs, currently serving as assistant to Van Gaal, as one of those being linked to the senior position once it’s vacated.

However, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has questioned whether the Welshman would be ready for such massive pressure:

Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the sport after leading old club Barcelona to three successive La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns and numerous other accolades.

The Spaniard then moved onto Bayern in 2013 and has since claimed back-to-back Bundesliga trophies, a FIFA Club World Cup, one DFB-Pokal triumph and a UEFA Super Cup.

Per Sky Sports’ Will Kelleher, ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Stefan Effenberg said he was “pretty certain” Guardiola will depart the Allianz Arena in 2016, but Guardiola was undecided on his future in August of this year:

"

This is the first and the last time that I will talk about it.I am coach of Bayern. I am grateful to be here. I have not yet decided what the best thing for the club is, but I am doing my best and I will do my best.

I have not decided yet. Maybe Effenberg, who was a great legend for Bayern, knows more about it than me, maybe I should give him a call.

"

It makes for an awkward situation as far as United fans are concerned, with Guardiola and Van Gaal’s alleged departures timed a year apart.

However, if the former were to take his leave of the German giants at the end of this season, the Red Devils may hold hope Guardiola would take a year’s sabbatical just as he did following his exit from the Camp Nou.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Van Gaal may have done United a great service in that the recent influx of young stars would be seen as an intriguing management prospect for any potential newcomer, with the likes of Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Memphis Depay among the most promising.

Back in 2013, Guardiola said he “would like to go to England as a trainer,” per Sky Sports’ Pete O’Rourke, and the stars may yet align to see his dream realised at Old Trafford when Van Gaal takes his leave.