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Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has launched a scathing critique of the club, labelling the side a “commercial club” rather than a football club.
He also revealed what needs to happen for Ruben Amorim to succeed at United.
Van Gaal spent two seasons at United between 2014 and 2016, taking over from David Moyes, who had the unenviable task of succeeding the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
Van Gaal was sacked just days after United beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Since his departure, the 73-year-old has repeatedly criticised United’s priorities, claiming that during his tenure at Old Trafford, the club seemed more focused on commercial gains than achieving success on the pitch.
United endured an extremely difficult 2024/25 season, which saw them finish a lowly 15th place in the Premier League table, having suffered 18 losses and amassing just 42 points.
The Red Devils’ defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final condemned United to a trophyless campaign, while ensuring they will be without European football next term,
It seems that Van Gaal was watching United from a distance and he is not convinced things have changed.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Dutchman remarked, “They are a commercial club, not a football club.”
“I have said that before and that’s always difficult. When the manager is not deciding which players have to come in, it is very difficult.”
Asked whether he believes United managers should have the final say on what players are signed, Van Gaal responded affirmatively.
“I think that it is is the way that it should be. Because then you can fire a manager because he doesn’t give any results. But when other people buy the players, then you have a problem.”
“You need to have the knowledge of the manager, the orientation of the manager, because he has to train them.”
Van Gaal noted that United would be wise to follow the blueprint set by Liverpool and Arne Slot.
“Arne Slot is the man who says to his technical manager that he has to buy this player, pay attention to it.”
‘[United are] a commercial club, not a football club’
Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United managers do not get enough say on transfers and wants to see them follow in the example set by rivals Liverpool pic.twitter.com/A44MAhV1k5
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 8, 2025
Van Gaal won 54 of the 103 games he oversaw as United boss.
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