Edwin Van der Sar: United Target Louis van Gaal Ranks Above Ferguson and Ancelotti

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has encouraged the club to secure a deal for Louis van Gaal, insisting the Dutchman is the best coach he has ever worked under.

The Dutch national team boss is the overwhelming favourite to succeed David Moyes at Old Trafford after the Scot was sacked by the club after a disastrous first campaign in charge.

Reports in the Dutch press have suggested talks between United and van Gaal have been positive with the 62-year-old eager to sign a deal before he begins official duties with the Dutch national side on 7 May.

And Van der Sar has given the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach a glowing endorsement by ranking him ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti, the latter who managed the shot stopper during his spell at Juventus, as the best coach he has ever had.

"I will say more about Louis and United once his appointment is official," Van der Sar, who won three Eredivisie titles and the 1995 Champions League under van Gaal, was quoted as saying by the Mirror. "But I have made it clear here before that Louis van Gaal is the best manager I have ever played for."

A decision on van Gaal's future could be made as early as this week after a KNVB (Dutch Football Federation) spokesman confirmed the two parties were in talks.

"I spoke to Louis on Friday. He told me nothing definite yet," Kees Jansma said. "However, there is something going on, but he expects that not until somewhere this week he can tell more."

Recent reports however suggest talks between United and van Gaal may have hit a hitch, relating what role interim manager Ryan Giggs will play under the Dutchman.

Giggs got his four game spell in charge at Old Trafford off to a perfect start with a 4-0 win over Norwich on Saturday but questions have risen as to what role he and the other Class of '92 members will have under van Gaal's reign.