Manchester United Send Message to Louis Van Gaal After Dutch Coach Revealed He Has Cancer

Manchester United Send Message to Louis Van Gaal After Dutch Coach Revealed He Has Cancer

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:59 PM
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  • Manchester United have wished Louis van Gaal "strength and courage" as he battles prostate cancer
  • Van Gaal revealed he is battling the ailment on Sunday, April 2, while promoting a new documentary about his life
  • The Dutchman revealed he had kept the sad news a secret from his Netherlands squad as he prepares to lead them to the 2022 World Cup

Man United have sent Louis van Gaal a heartwarming message after the Dutch coach revealed he is battling cancer.

Van Gaal made public his health condition on Sunday, April 3, on Dutch TV programme, Humberto.

Louis van Gaal salutes the fans after winning The Emirates FA Cup at Wembley Stadium in 2016. Photo by Paul Gilham.
Louis van Gaal salutes the fans after winning The Emirates FA Cup at Wembley Stadium in 2016. Photo by Paul Gilham.
Source: Getty Images

The Netherlands head coach divulged he had kept the sad news a top secret from his players during the recent international break.

"They don't know. They see a blush on my cheeks and think, 'what a healthy (person) that is'. That is of course not the case," Sky Sports quoted Van Gaal saying.
"I've been through a lot with illnesses, including with my own wife. So that's just part of life," he added.

Man United lead tributes for Louis van Gaal

Man United have since joined thousands of fans in leading tributes for the 70-year-old after news of his health struggles, with the club wishing him "health and courage."

"Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer," Man United said in a tweet.
"Sending you strength and courage, Louis," the club added.

Louis van Gaal's managerial career

The Dutchman has enjoyed an illustrious career in football management that has seen him take charge at different European clubs including Man United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

Van Gaal led Man United to FA Cup success in 2016 during his two-year spell with the club before he was succeeded by Jose Mourinho.

The greatest highlight of his career was when he led Ajax to Champions League glory in 1995.

He is now due to lead the Netherlands to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, eight years after he guided them to a third-place finish during the 2014 World Cup.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.