Louis van Gaal won’t be named United manager until next week

Manchester United’s expected announcement that Louis van Gaal is to be appointed as their new manager will not take place before next week.

The club and 62-year-old van Gaal, currently coach of the Netherlands, are understood to have reached a broad agreement but no deal has yet been signed.

United announced their third-quarterly financial results today but did not include any announcement about the permanent successor to David Moyes.

Van Gaal is busy with preparations for the Netherland’s friendly against Ecuador an the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday, and sources close to the club have ruled out any announcement taking place either side of that fixture.

United's interim manager Ryan Giggs was photographed leaving a hotel in the Dutch town or Noordwijk on Wednesday, where it is understood the 40-year-old had a meeting with Van Gaal.

Giggs’ playing contract expires in June and he is expected to be offered a senior coaching role, though it is not known whether he intends to keep playing next season.

United, meanwhile, reported record revenues for the third quarter of the financial year which club chiefs say puts them in a good position to invest in the squad and challenge for the title next season.

United reported revenues of £115.5million for the quarter, up 26 per cent, mainly due to rises in income from Premier League broadcasting money and sponsorship deals.

Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, said in a statement: "We once again generated record revenues... as all of our businesses delivered impressive year over year growth.

“This puts us in a healthy financial position to continue to invest in the squad. Everyone at the club is working hard to ensure the team is back challenging for the title and trophies next season.”

The players' wage bill was also up however by 18.9 per cent, reflecting the arrivals of Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini plus new deals for Nani and Adnan Januzaj.

Wayne Rooney also signed a new deal during the current financial year but it is understood that is for the same level as his previous contract — around £230,000 a week — but he earns more from a separate image rights contract which is not reflected in United's staff costs.