Manchester United

Ronald de Boer: 'Jose Mourinho similar to Louis van Gaal'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 24 May 2016

Ronald de Boer claims that Jose Mourinho is "similar" in style to former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal amid reports that he will take over at Old Trafford.

Ronald de Boer has claimed that Jose Mourinho is "similar" to his expected predecessor at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal was sacked by the Red Devils yesterday having failed to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, and Mourinho will reportedly replace him at Old Trafford later this week.

De Boer worked under both men during his time with Barcelona, and does not believe that Mourinho will necessarily bring attractive football back to United.

"He is similar. Most of the time what I know - and it's the same with Mourinho - you hate him or you love him. People run away with the impression of Mourinho and it's the same with Van Gaal," he is quoted as saying by PA.

"There will always be players who are not playing who will dislike him. Always. But generally most of the players will for sure like Van Gaal, the way that he treated them and took his managing role in the team.

"(Mourinho) is very good. He can shape a team and go straight for results. He is like Van Gaal, a workaholic and prepares perfectly on how to win. Sometimes it is not pretty but he knows how to grind out wins. That is what you get."

Mourinho has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in December following a disastrous start to the season.