Louis Van Gaal to retire after Man Utd spell

Van Gaal has enjoyed a stellar career that has taken him from Holland to Spain, Germany and now England, where he is contracted with United until 2017.

The 63-year-old is enjoying his spell as United manager, but plans to walk away from football once his tenure is over as he wants to spend time with his wife Truus in their holiday home on the Algarve.

"I am old. This is my last job. For sure," the Dutchman said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

"I have to pay attention to my kids, my grandchildren but also to my wife. They deserve it.

"Now I cannot pay that attention. I was not at the birthday of my grandson for example. I don't like it.

"My wife wants to quit now already! Five years ago!

"I have a paradise in Portugal. I want to quit to go there, play golf, eat fantastic food."

Van Gaal praised the United fans for the support they have given him during a mixed first year at Old Trafford.

United have played some unimaginative football at times this season but they hammered Tottenham 3-0 last weekend to strengthen their hold on fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.

Van Gaal has managed Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich during his career, but regards United as the biggest club on the planet.

"We were in the USA (in pre-season) and we played against Real Madrid, Liverpool, Roma, Inter Milan and LA Galaxy, five matches in three weeks - 300,000 fans and I think 280,000 of them in a red shirt. I know that Manchester United is the biggest club in the world," he said.

"Bigger than Real Madrid? Yes. In terms of global appeal, not history.