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The Dutchman succeeded David Moyes as United boss in 2014 and lasted two seasons before being sacked, two days after victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

United spent big on Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind ahead of Van Gaal's first season, while Radamel Falcao joined on loan.

However, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach has claimed he did not get any of his first-choice targets after inheriting an "outdated" squad.

"Manchester United did not have the qualities to become champions and had an outdated selection with 10 players over 30, five over 35," he told Voetbal International. 

"So I told them I was going to rejuvenate and which players should come. I didn't get one of those. 

"Then you end up in a different segment and as a coach you have to push your boundaries. You don't expect that at the richest club in the world.

"A turnover of £600million and you can't buy the players you need. You should buy number one and not number seven. 

"Of course, the selling club also thinks: If you are so rich, you also have to pay the highest amount imaginable for a player. That was what happened with transfers. 

"Then you have to do with the numbers seven or eight on your wish list. For which you actually pay way too much money, on which the coach is judged and convicted."

As well as lifting the FA Cup in his second season, Van Gaal got United back into the Champions League in 2014-15 following their struggles under Moyes.

A failure to finish in the top four in 2015-2016 and complaints over his style of football ultimately cost the 68-year-old his job, but he ranks his achievements with United as the best of his career. 

"I am an optimist. You have to disappoint me more than once if I want to close the door," he said. "Everyone gets a second chance with me. 

"Despite those disappointments, Manchester United did win the FA Cup. Manchester United has actually been the greatest achievement of my career."