Ferguson can see Louis van Gaal long-term at Man United: ‘When you get the bug it’s hard to leave’

'You never know what Louis will do' Alex Ferguson says of the new Manchester United manager, foreseeing a possible stay for the Dutchman when his contract is up in 2017, just as he remained in 2002.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal shown during his team's League Cup win over Ipswich Town on Wednesday night. Gareth Copley / Getty Images / September 23, 2015

Agence France-Presse

Alex Ferguson says he could foresee Louis van Gaal getting attached to Manchester United, and foregoing plans to install assistant Ryan Giggs as manager when his contract is up in 2017.

Louis van Gaal is now into his second season at the helm of United, and Ferguson believes that the “bug” could cause the self-assured Dutchman to want to fashion a long-lasting legacy at Old Trafford.

“You never know what Louis will do,” Ferguson said in an interview with AFP in Manchester on Friday to publicise his new book “Leading”.

Van Gaal has said he will hand the reins over to his assistant Giggs when his contract expires, but Ferguson wonders if he might reconsider his decision, just like the Scot did in 2002.

“When you get the bug it’s hard to leave.”

Ferguson also believes United are serious contenders to win the Premier League for the first time since he retired now David de Gea has committed his future to the club.

De Gea was on the verge of joining Real Madrid on deadline day, but the transfer fell through because the relevant paperwork was not submitted in time.

The Spanish goalkeeper then signed a new four-year contract at Old Trafford and former United manager Ferguson, who retired after claiming the English title in 2013, believes that could prove to be a huge fillip to his old club’s title chances of lifting the trophy under Van Gaal.

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“I think De Gea can actually win us the league,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson also gave a more general upbeat assessment of United’s chances of success under Dutch coach Van Gaal.

“We are second in the league,” said Ferguson, who won the title 13 times during his 26-year reign at Old Trafford.

“We are in a good position because, City hadn’t lost a game until last week and then United won at Southampton and the whole thing changes round.

“Chelsea have lost a couple of games, Arsenal have lost a game, if you are there around New Year’s Day then they will have a good chance.”

Ferguson also thinks the signing of teenage star Anthony Martial could help boost United’s chances of lifting the Premier League come May.

United were criticised for paying £36 million (Dh201.5m) for the inexperienced French striker on deadline day, but he has bagged four goals in his first four games.

“The boy Martial, he could be anybody,” Ferguson said.

“He doesn’t panic, the ball goes into him but he doesn’t panic, that’s a great asset. I don’t think you can teach that.”

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