Rene Meulensteen will NOT return to Manchester United under Louis van Gaal
Meulensteen spent 12 years at Old Trafford but has told him he will not be returning
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Your support makes all the difference.Rene Meulensteen has been told by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal that he will not be reinstalled on the club's coaching staff next season.
Meulensteen spent 12 years at Old Trafford and was appointed first team coach in 2008 before leaving the club following the arrival of David Moyes.
The 50-year-old is available after being sacked by Fulham in February but fellow Dutchman Van Gaal has ruled out a return to the Red Devils.
"I would have been keen to go back," said Meulensteen at the release of the LMA Annual Castrol European Managers and Coaches Survey.
"I spent 12 years at what is a fantastic club and never left Man United because I fell out with anyone there.
"But they've chosen to appoint Louis van Gaal and he has decided to bring in his own people so that is not an option.
"Have I spoken to Van Gaal? Yes, I know that is the case - it has been confirmed to me."
As first team coach, Meulensteen enjoyed a close relationship with the United players and helped the team win three Premier League titles.
Van Gaal is yet to confirm all his coaching staff ahead of the new campaign but Meulensteen believes his experience could have benefitted the club.
"It is disappointing," he said. "When you spend 12 years at a club the size of Manchester United, working in every department - not least for five years with the first team which were the most successful in the history of the club - of course you are disappointed.
"There aren't many coaches who have spent so much time with one club as I have."
Meulensteen added: "You would think it would make sense to have some continuity. But the people who have made the decision think their decision makes sense as well so we'll see what the future brings."
It has been a turbulent 12 months for Meulensteen, who was axed by Anzhi Makhachkala in August after just 16 days in charge before joining Fulham first as coach and then as manager.
The Dutchman insists he has not been put off however and is ready to return to work as soon as possible.
"I am definitely keen to get back into it," he said. "I've had an experience not many coaches have had because I worked in a very professional environment at United with a lot of stability and then the last 12 months have been the complete opposite.
"But it hasn't put me off at all, it only makes me stronger and more aware."
He went on to say: "I would look at any position in detail - the most important thing is they bring me in for the person I am and the philosophy I stand for."
The Dutchman will spend the summer watching the World Cup but is not overly-optimistic about Holland's chances in Brazil.
"Holland have match-changing players if they're all fit and performing," Meulensteen said. "But I don't think they have enough depth especially when they come up against the big boys - those teams have the ability to put Holland under pressure.
"I think then we will see their vulnerability and we may see that as soon as the first game when they play Spain."
PA
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