World Cup 2014: Louis van Gaal wants Man Utd to emulate Dutch

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Media caption,

World Cup 2014: Brazil 0-3 Netherlands highlights

Departing Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says his Manchester United players must find the same unity as the Dutch squad had at the 2014 Fifa World Cup.

Van Gaal, who will start his new role at Old Trafford next week, bowed out as Dutch coach with a 3-0 win over Brazil in Saturday's third-place play-off.

Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben has been key for the Netherlands but says he will not be moving to United.

"I hope the group in Manchester will become like this one," said Van Gaal.

"We have to sing from the same hymn sheet."

Double Dutch

The Netherlands reached the last four at successive World Cups for the first time since 1974 and 1978.

The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss will take charge of a United squad that finished seventh last season, with manager David Moyes sacked in April after 10 months at the club.

Van Gaal's first home match as United boss will be a friendly against Spanish side Valencia on 12 August, but he will first take the squad to the United States.

The 62-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract at Old Trafford, said there would "always be a place in my heart" for the players and staff who were part of the Netherlands' World Cup bid.

"I have top staff. They are great people. My players were even better. It was a great group," he added.

Media caption,

Man Utd assistant boss Ryan Giggs says he has had phone and email contact with Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal's side were beaten in a penalty shootout by Argentina following a 0-0 draw after extra time in the semi-finals.

But they secured third spot as Robin van Persie, Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum scored in the win over hosts Brazil and Van Gaal is now focused on bringing success back to Old Trafford.

"I hope at Manchester United I can do my best," he said.

"I will do my best. Whether that's enough for the fans I will wait and see, but I genuinely hope that will be the case."

Robben scored three goals and registered one assist at the World Cup and, despite rumours linking him with a move to United, the 30-year-old winger said that he would stay in Germany.

"I have a special bond with Van Gaal. He is the most important coach in my career," said Robben.

"[Moving to United] is not an option though. I will stay at Bayern Munich."

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Before the tournament, Van Gaal said he rated his side's chances of reaching the last eight as "20%"

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Ex-Netherlands stars Danny Blind and Patrick Kluivert assisted Van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup

Image source, Getty Images
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Van Gaal praised the "strong unity" of his 23-man squad, which had players from 15 different clubs

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