Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben expects Louis Van Gaal to take Manchester United back to the Champion’s League in his first time of asking.
United failed to qualify for the Champion’s League last season for the first time in 19 years.
But Robben, who played under Van Gaal for Bayern and Holland, believes his former coach will bring success back to Old Trafford this season.
After a rough start, Van Gaal secured his first victory with a 4-0 victory over QPR and said his side’s £150 million summer spend would see them challenge for the title.
Robben shares the same view, he said
“I haven’t spoken to him recently, but I was very happy for him that he won the game against QPR. Hopefully now he can show that he will do very well, but he needs time.
“I know how it works. If you’re not winning, you get the pressure, but the management at United know what sort of coach they’ve got and I’m very confident he’ll be successful there.”
“I’ve worked with Van Gaal at Bayern as well as with Holland, so I’ve known him for a very long time. He’s one of the few coaches, I think, who can make teams play better. He makes players better.
“United have some young, talented players and I have no doubts that he will do will at Old Trafford. He will get United back into the Champions League next season, where they belong. They’re such a big club and that’s where they belong.”
The Dutchman also said that Bayern are focused on securing the top spot in Group E but he is not sure City will make it to the knockout phase after Roma’s victory on Wednesday.
“It will be disappointing and frustrating for City, to lose 1-0 just a minute before the end, but they have a very good team,” said Robben.
“We did well to get the victory. We could have scored earlier because we had the better opportunities, but overall, it was a good game between two very good teams.
“Roma had a big win and it was a surprise. I looked up at the scoreboard after 20 minutes and saw it was already 3-0, so they are flying.”
Asked if City were the likeliest to advance to the last 16 with Bayern, Robben said: “It’s hard to say. We’re only thinking about ourselves and we want to go through. We want to win our games and be top of the group. That’s our target and we will give everything to do that.”