Louis van Gaal has revealed he considers the FA Cup he won with Manchester United last season the “biggest trophy” of his managerial career because of the difficult “circumstances” surrounding him at that time.
Van Gaal, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1996 as well as league titles with Barcelona and Ajax as well as leading Netherlands to a third-place finish at World Cup 2014, secured United their first FA Cup triumph in 12 years last season when the Red Devils defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in extra-time to lift the trophy.
The achievement was the stand-out moment in a difficult two year spell at Old Trafford for Van Gaal who found himself on the receiving end of much criticism in the final six months of his tenure.
The Dutchman’s philosophy and style frustrated the majority of supporters and Van Gaal was sacked despite his FA Cup win as United had failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Van Gaal announced his retirement from management on Monday and the 65-year-old has said that the FA Cup win was his biggest trophy because of his “head was in a noose for six months”.
Speaking while receiving a lifetime achievement award, Van Gaal told Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf: “The last six months at United, the circumstances, were so difficult. That is why the trophy I won, the FA Cup, I consider the biggest trophy in my career.
“When they have put you on a stage with your head on the block, my head was in a noose for six months.
“Under those circumstances I was expected to inspire those United players every day. Going to the absolute climax of the FA Cup Final, ending with 10 men and having to score to win in extra-time. Having gone through all that, and then walking away with the trophy, was incredible for me.”
Van Gaal, who is still being paid by United after breaking off his contract with the Premier League giants last May, also confirmed turning down a £45m offer to manage in China for three seasons.
He added: “I’ve had lots of offers since including millions from China. They are prepared to pay a fortune.”
“Yes, they want to pay that sort of money (£15m a year) and I could have gone but I have a lovely pay-off from Manchester United.
“They still pay my wages every month and that is a nice sum.”
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