Louis van Gaal: Was sounded out for an Anfield move
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed he turned down the chance to join Liverpool three years ago.
The Dutchman was strongly linked with becoming director of football at Anfield in May 2012, before Brendan Rodgers was appointed as manager.
Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Van Gaal was appointed United manager last summer, and on Sunday heads for Anfield for a crunch Premier League match in the context of the pursuit of Champions League football, being shown live on Sky Sports 1 from 12.30pm.
On being approached for a role at Anfield, Van Gaal, quoted by several national newspapers, said: "It was flattering, it is always pleasing to be contacted by a leading club, and Liverpool have a very good record in history.
"But I am the coach of United now, I can only speak about Liverpool as an opponent. It is not so interesting any more, it is in the past.
"It was the same with Tottenham last week. I have spoken to a lot of clubs but it is not good for Liverpool, Tottenham or for me to reopen things that are in the past."
Van Gaal, 63, said last week that the United challenge would be his last as a manager.
However that does not mean he is preparing to retire in the near future, with the Dutchman only one year into his three-year contract at Old Trafford.
"I can confirm this will be my last club but there could be five years to go yet," he added.
"I can extend my contract. I've signed for three years because in three years you can build something. When Manchester United ask me to extend, then I shall decide. But this is my last club."
