Andres Iniesta admits Louis van Gaal took a risk when handing him his debut for Barcelona in 2002.

Spain international Iniesta was a largely untried 17-year-old when van Gaal threw him into the fire almost 15 years ago, which prompted a stellar career for both club and country.

At 31, Iniesta is still terrorising midfields around the world and he puts a lot of that down to current Manchester United manager van Gaal giving him an early opportunity.

"He has been a fundamental person in my career and a key coach in my development," said Iniesta.

"He gambled on me as a player when there were some really big name players in front of me and that's why he will always be special to me."