Patrick Kluivert Didn't Expect to be Handed Role at Manchester United

Louis van Gaal's former assistant manager, Patrick Kluivert admits he knew from the start that the Manchester United boss would turn to Ryan Giggs to be his right hand man.

Former Ajax and Barcelona star Kluivert worked alongside van Gaal at the helm of the Netherlands national team between 2012 and 2014, helping guide the side to a third place finish at the summer's World Cup in Brazil.

After van Gaal turned to his long-term aides Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout, with Albert Stuivenberg later joining as a coach, Kluivert was briefly expected to be added to that Dutch contingent and make the move to Old Trafford.

However, the former striker insists he knew from the very beginning that the United boss would turn to someone from within the club.

"I am now ready for the role of a head coach, what I did with van Gaal too," Kluivert was quoted as saying by Dutch magazine Helden. "He also thinks I must now stand on my own.

"I knew early on that he would work at Manchester United with someone like Ryan Giggs, someone from the club."

Having moved away from the national team setup, Kluviert is now eager to test himself at club level and admits he would prefer a role away from his homeland.

"I must have a good feeling at a club, preferably a club abroad. Italy, Spain and Germany have my preference over Netherlands. But that is my affair."

United's search for a first away victory of the season continued on Monday as they were held to a 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion. A late strike from Daley Blind helped the visitors salvage a point, having also enjoyed a stellar evening at the base of United's midfield, a key role in the United 11 according to Kluivert, given the attacking qualities further up the pitch.

"Daley gives great protection for the defence - that is one of his real strengths," he told United's official website. "At the moment he is playing left back for the Dutch national team but I think he is even stronger as a midfielder.

"He can divide a game very well. He's very calm, he's good at winning possession and his vision is excellent. The fans have already seen his quality and I think he will continue to grow."