Man Utd and Barcelona sent this message to former manager Louis van Gaal after he revealed cancer diagnosis

Manchester United and Barcelona are among those who have sent their support to former manager Louis van Gaal, after he revealed he’s undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

The 70-year-old made the announcement on Sunday night, when speaking on Dutch TV programme Humberto.

The Netherlands manager explained he did not tell the Dutch national squad during the recent international break, saying: "I didn’t want to tell it to my players because it could have influenced their performances.

"In each period during my time as manager of the national team I had to leave in the night to go to the hospital without the players finding it out until now. While thinking I was healthy, but, I am not.

“You don’t die from prostate cancer, at least not in 90% of the cases,” he added. “It is usually other underlying diseases that kill you. But I had a pretty aggressive form, got irradiated 25 times. Then you have a lot of management to do in order to get through life.”

In response, United sent a message of support to Van Gaal, writing on Twitter: “Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer. Sending you strength and courage, Louis.”

The Dutchman was in charge at Old Trafford for two years, replacing David Moyes as full-time manager in 2014. During his stint at United, Van Gaal led the Red Devils to FA Cup glory in 2016, beating Crystal Palace in the final.

Barcelona, who Van Gaal also managed, said via social media: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to former Barça manager Louis van Gaal, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stay strong, Louis, and get well soon.”

During his time at the Nou Camp, Van Gaal won two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey in 1998.

The experienced coach has managed Ajax - who he guided to Champions League glory in 1995 - AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, while this is Van Gaal’s third spell in charge of the Netherlands.