Louis van Gaal was preparing to put the stresses of a first Premier League campaign in charge of Manchester United behind him on Monday as he boarded a flight to Portugal.

The Dutch boss signed a lucrative three-year contract with United last year, but the big-money deal didn't stop him from flying with budget airline Ryanair from Manchester airport.

Van Gaal will take some time off in the Algarve, where he and his wide Truus share a holiday home, before turning his attention to the 2015-16 Premier League season.

Louis van Gaal (right) prepares to board a flight to Portugal with his wife Truus (centre) at Manchester airport

However, the 63-year-old recently admitted that he will remain in close contact with United vice-chairman Ed Woodward while in Portugal as the club look to bring in new faces in a bid to challenge Premier League champions Chelsea next season.

Speaking to the club's official website, Van Gaal said recently: 'All the players have to fly out to international duties but I will go on holidays and I’m willing to go to my paradise in Portugal.'

Asked if the transfer business would be left to Woodward, Van Gaal added: 'No, not to Ed because you also have a telephone and computer, so we are always in contact.

'As a manager, you never have holidays but I am in a better climate than here in Manchester. I am sorry to say that.'

The Manchester United boss was flying with budget airline Ryanair on Monday evening

The 63-year-old was was helped to the Ryanair check-in desk by his driver (left) ahead of the flight

Van Gaal led United to a fourth place Premier League finish after a year without Champions League football

Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao has been told he will not be coming back to United next season.

United won a hotly-contested race to sign the Colombia striker on loan from Monaco last summer, but he has scored just four goals in 29 appearances for Van Gaal's side.

United had the chance to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent basis for £43.2million, but the club have told Falcao they will not exercise that option.

Radamel Falcao has been told he will not be coming back to United next season