Arjen Robben has backed Louis van Gaal to guide Manchester United back to the Champions League at his first attempt, after suggesting the Old Trafford club belong in Europe's elite competition.

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Bayern Munich's winger Robben was heavily linked with a move to United, with his impressive performances under Van Gaal's watch at the World Cup finals in Brazil fuelling speculation that the new United boss may look to bring the former Chelsea winger with him to Manchester.

That move failed to materialse, but it is clear that Robben has huge admiration for both Van Gaal and United as he spoke to reporters in Munich.

"I have worked with Louis van Gaal at Bayern as well as with Holland, so I have known him for a very long time," Robben is quoted in the Daily Telegraph.

"He's one of the few coaches, I think, who can make teams play better. He makes players better. United have some young, talented players and I have no doubts that he will do well at Old Trafford.

"He'll get Manchester United back into the Champions League next season, where they belong. They are such a big club and that is where they belong."

Robben has been following United's progress under Van Gaal this season, as he is clearly eager for his former manager to succeed in his first Premier League posting.

"I haven't spoken to him recently, but I was very happy for him that he won the game against QPR," added Robben of United's 4-0 win last Sunday. "Hopefully, now he can show that he will do very well, but he needs time.

"I know how it works. If you are not winning, you get the pressure, but the owners and the management at United know what sort of coach they have got and I am very confident he will be successful there."