Louis van Gaal to Manchester United: I would love challenge of managing 'biggest club in the world'

The 62-year-old is adamant he can secure his long-term future while also preparing the Dutch national side for this summer's World Cup

The Dutch FA does not want Louis van Gaal to be distracted by club matters before the World Cup (Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal has made his most public declaration yet that he would like to be the next Manchester United manager and stated that he would love to work for "the biggest club in the world".

Speculation has been rife that United would appoint a successor to David Moyes this week, with Van Gaal the firm favourite. However, it is now understood there will be no announcement from the club until next week and the delay might have prompted the Dutchman to break cover.

"I would love the job," he told the BBC at the start of a three-day World Cup training camp with the Netherlands. "I hope that I shall be the one. It's the biggest club in the world and it's a fantastic challenge."

He added: "You [the media] are thinking I'm the man but the most important thing is whether Manchester United are thinking that."

Van Gaal's immediate focus is the Dutch World Cup campaign next month. This brings added complications to United's hopes of making a rapid appointment but the 62-year-old is adamant he can secure his long-term future while also preparing for the tournament in Brazil.

"I have to focus on my job," Van Gaal said. "I am coach of the Dutch national team. I have waited a long time to be in a World Cup so that's very important. This doesn't affect me. I have always had offers. I know what the football world is and what it means."

However, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach denied any agreement had been reached yet with United. "There is no deal," he told Voetbal International. "There are newspapers saying that I've already signed, there are even names of assistants. Too bad it goes this way.

"There are several clubs interested in Louis van Gaal, we'll see what I choose to do and what choice that clubs are going to make. It's a process, so it goes with all clubs."