Van Gaal managed United between 2014 and 2016, leading them to FA Cup success in his final season before being sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

Ten Hag, 52, is among a handful of names linked to the top job at United, with interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s tenure set to end after the current season.

“Erik ten Hag is a great coach and that is always good for Manchester United,” van Gaal told reporters ahead of Holland’s friendly at home to Germany on Tuesday.

“But Manchester United are a commercial club, so it’s a difficult choice for a coach … he would be better going to a football club. I’m not going to advise him, he’ll call me himself. But he must choose a football club and not a commercial club.”

The 52-year-old Ten Hag was appointed by Ajax during the 2017-18 campaign and led them to the Dutch league title in 2019 and 2021, as well as the Champions League semifinals in 2019.