Arjen Robben: New Man United boss ‘working magic’ with Netherlands

Arjen Robben has heaped praise on Louis van Gaal after the coach guided the Netherlands through to the World Cup semi-finals.

The 62-year-old, who is due to take over at Manchester United following the conclusion of the tournament in Brazil, substituted goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul in extra-time against Costa Rica, a decision that paid off after the shot-stopper saved two penalties in the shootout to clinch victory.

And Holland winger Robben was full of praise for Van Gaal as his side gear up for a semi-final showdown against Argentina.

“We have a superb trainer, a coach who works magic like this all the time,” said Robben.

“Nobody knew about what he was going to do, apart from one goalkeeper.”

Former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt was also full of admiration for Van Gaal, who has signed a three-year deal to take charge at United.

“He prepares for everything,” said Kuyt. “The coach speaks with everyone, discusses the systems, so we all know we will be ready when something happens.

“This is the power of the manager. It is not easy to create a team like this, but if you want to do something, you have to go in the same direction and he is the perfect manager to make that happen.”