Xavi Hernandez has given a glowing appraisal of current Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

The 64-year-old Dutchman gave Xavi his Barcelona debut back in 1998 and the veteran Spanish midfielder admits he is grateful for having the opportunity to work with such a person.

Xavi, now with Qatari club Al Sadd, believes any criticism that comes van Gaal's way stems from naivety and ignorance as he feels the Red Devils boss is a brilliant operator.

"They criticise him on a human level because he is very direct or because he seems arrogant," Xavi told Diario Sport.

"But you have to know him as a coach on a day-to-day basis. For me he is fantastic.

"He was ahead of his time back then; he worked to perfect the training sessions and improve the team technically and tactically – 20 years ago he was a very complete coach.

"In time he will do a very good job at Manchester United. He will make them very strong in the Premier League and in the Champions League. He will do a great job."