Van Gaal should be 'first pick' for Man Utd, says Kluivert

The former Barcelona striker, who is the coach's assistant with Netherlands, says the Dutchman should be a primary managerial target for all top clubs

Patrick Kluivert believes Louis van Gaal “would be the first pick of any club” as the 62-year-old closes in on becoming Manchester United's next permanent manager.

The Dutchman has agreed a deal with United and is expected to take charge at Old Trafford after his World Cup campaign with Netherlands ends this summer.

"He would be absolutely the first pick of any club, especially top teams everywhere in the world,” Kluivert told talkSPORT.

"He likes to let young players make their debut if they are ready for it. 

“The most important thing at the moment is I'm personally enjoying working with him and with the Dutch national team. We're going to the World Cup and hope to do well. After that we’ll see what happens.”

Kluivert, who is Van Gaal’s assistant with Netherlands’ national team, admits he would welcome the chance to follow the Dutchman to Old Trafford.

"Sure, I would be pleasantly surprised if Louis van Gaal asked me. I would [do the job] wherever in the world because I love working with him,” said the 37-year-old.

“It doesn't matter what club it will be if he asks me to join him, I would be absolutely honoured to be on his side."