Dutch manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that he needs to sign a superstar if Manchester United is to win the Premiership before his contract is up at Old Trafford in two years’ time.
Speaking with Sky Sports News HQ’s Vinny O’Connor, the 63-year-old admitted that he only has two years to win the title before walking away, no matter what happens, and to give him the best chance of achieving his ambition he needs to find a player like Cristiano Ronaldo and bring him to Old Trafford.
“I think we still need more speed in front and also more creativity and that is why I want (Angel) Di Maria to stay, but, we don’t know that so we will have to see,” he said.
“Bayern Munchen – they have Ribery and Robben. Chelsea have Hazard and Willian. Real Madrid: Ronaldo and Bale. Barcelona: Neymar and Messi.
“(Ashley) Young and (Juan) Mata had fantastic seasons with assists and goals but to win the Champions League you need speed also. That is why I think, maybe, we still have to buy a player with speed and creativity.”
So is Ronaldo’s return a realistic possibility?
“I cannot answer these questions. When we shall buy a player and he has signed, then we shall say. But not in a process and not in a strategy,” he said.
“I cannot say that. I want to say it. For the fans I want to say it. But it is not smart. I have to protect the interests of the club.”
When asked his personal opinion of Ronaldo he had much more to say.
“Now, I make an exception for Ronaldo. He is a fantastic player. But he knows that. But I like him,” he said.
Speaking about his future as manager of the club van Gaal said: “I promised that to my wife”.
“We have not many years together any more”.
“I have to admit I have said to her when I met her and after our relationship seemed to be very good, then I said at 55 years I shall quit. Now I am still working and next week I am 64.”
Adamant that he will give the job up when his current contract ends, he said: “I have done everything in my career as a manager. I have been in the Netherlands, my home country. I have been in Spain, fantastic league. Germany, fantastic league. Now I am here.
“Also to participate in a world championship. I have done that. So, I have to go to Qatar to earn still more money? I don’t think so. You have to enjoy also your life and your relationship with your wife.”
