Rene Meulensteen won't join Louis van Gaal's staff at Manchester United

One of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted assistants will not be invited back to Manchester United, as new manager Louis van Gaal will create an entirely new backroom staff at Old Trafford. 

Despite his 12-year tenure with United, Rene Meulensteen will not be offered a position by van Gaal. 

"I would have been keen to go back. I spent 12 years at what is a fantastic club and never left Man United because I fell out with anyone there," Meulensteen stated via Goal.com. 

But they've chosen to appoint Louis van Gaal and he has decided to bring in his own people so that is not an option. Have I spoken to Van Gaal? Yes, I know that is the case - it has been confirmed to me. 

It is disappointing. When you spend 12 years at a club the size of Manchester United, working in every department - not least for five years with the first team which were the most successful in the history of the club - of course you are disappointed. There aren't many coaches who have spent so much with one club as I have. 

You would think it would make sense to have some continuity. But the people who have made the decision to think their decision makes sense as well, so we'll see what the future brings.

Following his time at Old Trafford, Meulensteen endured disappointing spells with Fulham and Anzhi Makhachkala.