Louis van Gaal 'did not deserve' Manchester United sacking, says friend and former assistant Danny Blind

Blind was Van Gaal's No 2 for the Netherlands during the 2014 World Cup

Louis van Gaal and his assistant Danny Blind during the 2014 World Cup (Getty )

Louis van Gaal was treated unfairly in his sacking by Manchester United, says his close friend and former assistant when he was in charge of the Netherlands national team, Danny Blind.

Van Gaal was dismissed by United on Monday evening, two days after guiding the club to the FA Cup.

The club, however, finished in fifth place, behind their Champions League qualifying neighbours Manchester City on goal difference.

“I'm closer to the situation than many other people,” said Blind, the father of United full-back Daley. “And I can tell you that his departure came as a surprise. I feel for him. He doesn't deserve this.

“I've worked with him for so many years. I played under him for years at Ajax, I was his captain, I was his assistant at the last World Cup. He's a great coach.

"We all know that, as a manager, you will face the sack at some stage in your career. It happens to every manager.

“In this case I find it very disappointing. I know in which way this sacking was done and it's not the way it should go.”