Several media outlets are reporting that Louis Van Gaal wants to be rubber stamped as the new Manchester United manager before May 7th.
Although Manchester United are denying a deal has been agreed to appoint Van Gaal as the successor to David Moyes, it is believed contact has been made and basic terms agreed between the two parties.
May 7th is the day Van Gaal begins preparations with the Dutch national team's home-based players ahead of this summer's World Cup in Brazil, and it is believed that he is anxious to tie down the deal with United so as not to have any distractions before or during the tournament.
According to The Guardian, Van Gaal wants official confirmation to ward off any possible challengers for the role, and if Real Madrid go out to Bayern in the Champions League, there is a feeling that Carlo Ancelotti's job could be on the line, therefore making him a realistic target for United.
The romantics at United will also like to see the job given to Ryan Giggs on a permanent basis, and If United finish the season as strongly as they played against Norwich on Saturday for Giggs' first time at the helm, the clamour for his appointment would be strong, which is a nother worry for Van Gaal according to
The Irish Times.
Van Gaal is aware of the popularity of Giggs given his long-time association with the club, and there is also talk that he may be appointed as understudy to Van Gaal, who will in effect groom the Welshman to take over from him eventually.
Hat-tip to The Irish Times and The Guardian
