‘I was asked a question about money. So I just said we’re professionals and for us it’s about earning money and living our lives. The fans always have the idea about the romantic side and your love for the club.
‘On the other hand, football is a business and things happen very quickly. One day a director says this coach is staying, then he’s sacked three weeks later. You can’t forget it is a business and not just playing football for a hobby. That was what I was trying to say.’
The fact that Van Gaal is at the helm at United is partly why Muller is so desired at Old Trafford. The two players who perhaps benefited most from the Dutchman’s regime at Bayern were Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger — and the latter has already joined his former manager.