LONDON. — Louis van Gaal has recruited a team of security men to protect him and his wife.

The Manchester United boss is so concerned that he and his wife Truus may be targeted by angry fans that he has ramped up security around thaem.

The Van Gaals have 24-hour protection, with a detail of bodyguards stationed outside their luxury Cheshire apartment.

Van Gaal (64) is taking the threat to his family’s safety so seriously that he has even started looking for a new home that offers greater privacy and security.

The Dutchman now has less than 18 months left on the contract he signed when he arrived in Manchester in the summer of 2014.

But he remains resolved not to quit United.

Van Gaal eased the pressure on himself by guiding United to a 3-1 FA Cup victory at Championship side Derby on Friday.

But he, and United, are taking no chances when it comes to the security.

The club has previously put extra security measures in place to guard Van Gaal from irate fans inside their Old Trafford stadium and at away grounds, as well as their Carrington training ground.

But that corden has now been extended, by the manager, to his home in a smart suburb of Manchester.

United fans have previous history when it comes to making unwanted visits to club employees at their homes — both Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were confronted by balaclava-wearing mobs when they were involved in contract stand-offs.

While Van Gaal has told United that he has no intention of walking away from one of the biggest challenges of his career, he is fearful his wife could get caught up in a powder-keg situation.

Van Gaal’s wife is said to be concerned about the way some fans have turned so bitterly against her husband, but she is fully supportive of his decision to remain as manager.

And van Gaal has admitted that he cannot know what reception he will receive when his side return to Old Trafford to face Stoke City tomorrow night.

United were booed off following their most recent home game, a 1-0 defeat by Southampton last weekend, which prompted media speculation about Van Gaal’s position.

His team won 3-1 at second-tier Derby County on Friday to reach the FA Cup fifth round, but Van Gaal conceded afterwards that it may not have been enough to mollify supporters frustrated by recent performances. — The Mirror-AFP.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey