Ronald De Boer says Louis van Gaal desperately wanted to see out his three-year obligations with Manchester United.

The 64-year-old was sacked by United on Monday after two years at Old Trafford in a move which has deeply disappointed the Dutchman.

De Boer has revealed that he was in contact with van Gaal's wife Truus on the weekend, which also delivered United their 12th FA Cup, and spoke of the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax man's regret at being dismissed 12 months early.

He told the Daily Mail: “I sent her (Truus) a message, 'Did you pack your bags already?' and she said 'Yes'.

“It was on Sunday I think.

“I didn't go into detail. I asked her, 'Is Louis disappointed?' and she said, 'He is very disappointed'.

“But that's normal. He is a winner. He wanted to finish his job."