Manchester United transfer news: Andres Iniesta hints at interest in Manchester United move after praising 'special' coach Louis van Gaal

The playmaker came through the ranks at Barcelona while van Gaal was manager at the Camp Nou and reserved praise of the highest order for the Dutch coach

Andres Iniesta trains with the Spain squad (GETTY IMAGES)

Andres Iniesta says incoming Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is a 'special' coach, hinting at the possibility that he could follow him to Old Trafford.

The Spain international emerged through the ranks in the Barcelona B team when van Gaal took charge between 1997 and 2000, and only made his debut two years after the Dutch coach left in 2002.

However, the 30-year-old says he had a special effect on his career, adding that van Gaal made an extra effort to take the reserves and younger players under his wing.

When asked by Barca TV if van Gaal was an imposing figure, he replied: "Yes. He already commands respect when you are a veteran, so imagine when you have just entered the team and you are young.

"But the truth is I have a special memory of him, because he is someone very important to me and if there was something he cared about was supporting the young players from the reserves."

Iniesta is one of many Barcelona stars - along with Dani Alves and Xavi - who are said to be considering their options at the Camp Nou as the club goes through a transitional phase under new coach Luis Enrique.

Video: Praise for Louis van Gaal

His praise of van Gaal appears to be nothing more than complimentary, but with Manchester United undergoing a restructuring of their squad, they could be tempted to move for Iniesta if the Spaniard chooses to leave his boyhood club.