Manchester United have sent their best wishes to former manager Louis van Gaal after he revealed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, just months ahead of the start of the Netherlands' World Cup campaign in Qatar.
The Netherlands boss, who was in charge at Old Trafford between May 2014 and May 2016, made the surprise announcement whilst appearing on Dutch TV show 'Humberto' on Sunday evening. He was appearing on the show to talk about his new film - 'LOUIS' - in which his cancer is addressed.
Van Gaal confirmed that the form of cancer he has is an aggressive one. He also admitted that he has had it for a prolonged period and has already undergone treatment on 25 occasions.
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Van Gaal told RTL: "In each period during my time as manager of the national team, I had to leave in the night to go to the hospital without the players finding it out until now, while thinking I was healthy. But I am not.
"I didn't want to tell it to my players because it could have influenced their performances. I have a lot of discipline and willpower.
"I can do the job because I like it. I like to work with this squad. This is a present for me at a late age, this is how I see it."
Following his announcement, United issued a message on their official Twitter page in support of the Dutchman. They said: "Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer.
"Sending you strength and courage, Louis."
The 70-year-old, who won the FA Cup during his time in charge at Old Trafford, beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Wembley in 2016, just days ahead of his exit from the club, took charge of the Netherlands national team for a third time in August last year. He replaced Frank de Boer and successfully guided his country to their first World Cup finals since 2014, when he was also in charge of the squad.
With this year's World Cup now just a few months away, Van Gaal, who will watch his team get the tournament underway against Senegal, will be hoping to see his side go one better than at their last appearance as the prestigious event. They reached the semi-finals in 2014, four years after losing the final 1-0 to Spain in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker also sent a supportive message in Van Gaal's direction. Taking to Twitter, the former England striker posted: "Sending best wishes and hopes for a full recovery to Louis Van Gaal, who announced on Dutch television tonight that he’s battling prostate cancer."
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