Van Gaal overlooked for Belgium job after ‘draining’ application

The experienced Dutch manager had hoped to succeed Marc Wilmots with the Rode Duivels, but his pitch for the job apparently exhausted those in charge of selection

Former Manchester United Louis van Gaal was turned down for the Belgium job after the nation’s FA was unimpressed with his application, according to the Daily Mail.

Van Gaal left Old Trafford after winning the FA Cup at the end of the 2015-16 season, while the Belgium post became vacant when Marc Wilmots was sacked following a poor Euro 2016 campaign.

But the Dutchman apparently failed in his bid to take on the Rode Duivels job, after his pitch was deemed “draining and exhausting” with those tasked with finding the new man.

Ex-Everton boss Roberto Martinez eventually prevailed, and tasted defeat to Spain in his Belgium debut this week.