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Edwin van der Sar has backed Louis van Gaal to be appointed Manchester United's new boss.

Holland coach van Gaal has been

, who was sacked by Old Trafford chiefs a week ago today.

Former United goalkeeper van der Sar hailed Dutch compatriot van Gaal, whom he played under at Ajax, as the best coach he has worked with.

And van der Sar, now a director at Ajax, gave van Gaal a glowing endorsement with United closing in on the 62-year-old as their new boss.

Van der Sar said: "I will say more about Louis and United once his appointment his official

"But I have made it clear here before that Louis van Gaal is the best manager I have ever played for.''

(Image: Jamie McDonald)

Van Gaal is edging closer to the United job, with Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) spokesman Kees Jansma last night confirming talks are ongoing

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

Van Gaal, who will lead Holland at the World Cup in seven weeks' time, is officially contracted to the KNVB untill July 1. But his contract with Holland will be extended by a further two weeks if he leads them to the semi-finals or final in Brazil.

Under the terms of his agreement with the Dutch FA, van Gaal is entitled to negotiate with a new employer, but has promised the KNVB no discussions or talks will take place with a third party once the preparations for the World Cup have begun.

The Dutch squad meets for its first World Cup training session on May 6, which means United must have agreed a deal for van Gaal by then, with the man himself and the KNVB unwilling to let anything disrupt their build-up for Brazil.