Louis van Gaal insists he doesn't blame Jose Mourinho for his sacking by Manchester United.

Recalling his 2016 dismissal after winning the FA Cup, Van Gaal says the decision was down to vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

"I blame Ed Woodward, my CEO at Manchester United, much more than Mourinho," Van Gaal said on Thursday in a podcast with entrepreneur Yves Gyrath.

"In my view, Woodward is the evil genius."

Van Gaal also revealed he was close to taking the Tottenham job before signing with United.

"(Spurs chairman) Daniel Levy went to my house here in Noordwijk and left in the trunk, because (journalist) Jack van Gelder was outside," he added.

"It took a long time and he actually gave Manchester United the opportunity to make an offer."