Even at 71, Louis van Gaal has unfinished business. An epic career has entered extra time but even if it brings a crowning glory, Van Gaal could extend it further. Lose and Saturday’s match against the United States will be the final game of his third spell in charge of his native Netherlands. Win and he will have an added allure to suitors.
He has been touted as a possible successor to Roberto Martinez, who resigned as Belgium manager after their early exit. In typically direct fashion, Van Gaal flirted with the idea, citing his wins over the world’s second-ranked team in the Nations League and adding an idiosyncratic flavour to his answer.
