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Louis van Gaal has admitted in an interview with the BBC that he regrets deciding to join Manchester United instead of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman managed his country at the 2014 World Cup and was courted by both clubs, though he eventually chose to move to Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

Van Gaal struggled somewhat during his tenure at United but, coming off an excellent World Cup in which he guided the Netherlands to a third-place finish, he was in demand in the summer of 2014.

United convinced him to snub Spurs and the latter’s chairman, Daniel Levy, subsequently appointed Mauricio Pochettino.

Van Gaal lasted just two seasons in Manchester, taking United to fourth in his first season and fifth in the second, after which he was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

He did win the FA Cup in his final season in charge but he has now admitted that he should have pitched up in north London instead.

He told the BBC: "Tottenham were a better selection because Manchester United were an old team and I knew I would have to transform them.

"Was it the wrong choice? Maybe, but I follow my heart. I worked at the number one team in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and now also in England."

Spurs have enjoyed an excellent run with Pochettino at the helm, launching two title charges, qualifying for the Champions League in three consecutive seasons and also (almost) completing the move into their new stadium from White Hart Lane, via Wembley.

Dodged a bullet

Spurs should count their lucky stars that Van Gaal decided to move to United.

He championed a slow, dirge-filled style of football and would not have fitted in at Spurs.

Pochettino would have ended up at another club; he would not have taken the club to their current heights, they may not have been able to champion the progressive style of football, and the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks may not have had the breakthroughs they have enjoyed under the Argentine.

Pochettino, to put it simply, is perfect for Spurs.

Van Gaal showed no signs of adapting to life in England, despite his FA Cup win, and was something of a disastrous appointment at Old Trafford.

Consider this a bullet dodged.