‘Man United fans will be buzzing to see Louis van Gaal get big calls right’

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United supporters will be “buzzing” to see Louis van Gaal making big calls at the World Cup – and getting them right.

The Netherlands head coach withdrew first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to bring on Tim Krul in the final minute of extra-time during their goalless draw with Costa Rica in the last eight.

Manchester United fans will be buzzing to see Louis van Gaal making big decisions like that and them coming off

Rio Ferdinand

The Dutch coach’s switch proved a masterstroke as the Newcastle United goalkeeper saved two of Costa Rica’s penalties as the Oranje won 4-3 in the shootout on Saturday night.

And Ferdinand praised Van Gaal’s bravery to make such a big call, with the 62-year-old set to become United manager following the World Cup after agreeing a three-year deal in May.

“Manchester United fans will be buzzing to see Louis van Gaal making big decisions like that and them coming off. They will be thinking: ‘What a manager we have got coming in’,” Ferdinand is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

Ferdinand added that he believed Dutch No1 Cillessen was told Krul would be introduced if the quarter-final went to a penalty shootout before the clash to prevent any confusion.

“I would have thought Jasper Cillessen knew before the game that he would be taken off for a penalty shootout,” Ferdinand added.

“His reaction to Tim Krul’s saves shows you the spirit in that squad – it was all about the team going through and he knows he will start the next game.”