Club sends support to Louis van Gaal
Everybody at Manchester United sends their best wishes and support to our former manager Louis van Gaal.
The 70-year-old, who is currently in charge of the Netherlands national team, announced on Sunday night that he has prostate cancer.
Van Gaal, who led United to Emirates FA Cup success in 2016, underwent treatment while with the Dutch squad during the recent international break, but chose not to inform the players of his condition.
Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 3, 2022
Sending you strength and courage, Louis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/axcB7mV5To
The former Ajax and Barcelona boss is in his third stint with the national team and still plans to lead them into this winter’s World Cup in Qatar, where they have been drawn alongside the hosts, plus Ecuador and Senegal, in Group A.
“I didn't want to tell it to my players because it could have influenced their performances," he told Dutch TV programme Humberto.
“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.”
United goalkeeper David De Gea, who won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award at the end of each of van Gaal’s two seasons in the Old Trafford dugout, tweeted shortly after the announcement.
Marcus Rashford also offered his support to the manager who gave him his first-team debut.
Other leading figures and institutions from the world of football also posted on social media, as you can see below:
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) April 3, 2022
Earned my debut from LVG. Will forever be indebted. You can fight this. We are all behind you ♥️ https://t.co/ar2qc9JfFW
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) April 4, 2022
On behalf of the European football community, we send our very best wishes to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who has announced he is battling prostate cancer.
— UEFA (@UEFA) April 4, 2022
❤️ We're all with you, Louis. pic.twitter.com/i71UqYNgur
Sending best wishes and hopes for a full recovery to Louis Van Gaal, who announced on Dutch television tonight that he’s battling prostate cancer. 🙌🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) April 3, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers go out to former Barça manager Louis van Gaal, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stay strong, Louis, and get well soon. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uE5SzstOHR
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 3, 2022