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Manchester United’s lack of direction over the past decade has seen them employ five different permanent managers during a turbulent ten-year period.
Experienced manager Louis van Gaal was one of those who attempted to crack the code that has proved an impossible task since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
However, despite underwhelming finishes in the Premier League, Van Gaal delivered United’s 12th FA Cup success after beating Crystal Palace in the 2016 Wembley final.
Unfortunately for Van Gaal, it proved to be his last game in charge of United as he was controversially sacked after the win.
Since then, the Dutch legend has revealed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and has been battling the disease for the past three years.
As the Daily Mail reports, the 72-year-old gave positive information about his condition, explaining the medical process and how he copes and lives with the disease.
“I have been living with the disease for a little over three years, with radiation, hormone injections, surgeries, catheters and urine bags.
“It’s unbelievable, but I can handle it. I managed to do it, and I could do it even while working during the last World Cup,” he said.
Van Gaal admits being busy helps the process and compared his physical struggles to being a coach.
“I even think that during the World Cup I managed to do it even better, because I had a goal.
“And with the cancer process it happens just like with the process when you become a coach, you look for a goal. It was positive for me to do both things,” he explained.
Asked if the illness had changed his outlook on life, Van Gaal replied: “Not much” and revealed how his heartbreaking family history, including the death of his first wife, helped him cope.
“Look, I come from a family where we have nine brothers. I am the smallest. My father died when I was 11 years old. He died at 53.
“My first wife died when she was 39 years old. And all my brothers died too soon. I’m used to death. That’s why I know that death is a part of life and you can deal with it,” he said.
The former United boss is currently filming a documentary called ‘Always Positive’ alongside the director of Spain’s National Cancer Research Center, Maria Blasco. The film premiered on Wednesday and will serve to support oncology research.
He is still involved in soccer, serving as an advisor to Dutch giants Ajax.
Everyone associated with United wishes Louis all the best in his continued battle against the disease.
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