Louis van Gaal called the death of Netherlands and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff a "very sad day" for football, and said his thoughts were with the Cruyff family in this difficult time.
Cruyff, who died on Thursday at the age of 68, and Van Gaal played together at Ajax, each managed at the club, and later followed each other as Barcelona coach, with the current Manchester United boss succeeding Cruyff at the Camp Nou in 1997.
It is with great sadness that we've learnt of the death of Johan #Cruyff. Words cannot express the loss we feel. #14 pic.twitter.com/mt7XAM9GLE
- KNVB (@KNVB) March 24, 2016
Speaking to ManUtd.com on Thursday, Van Gaal called Cruyff a huge loss for the sport.
"It is a very sad day for the footballing world, to lose one of the true legends of the game," Van Gaal said.
"My thoughts are with Johan's family at this difficult time."
- Memphis (@Memphis) March 24, 2016
Memphis Depay made his own tribute to Cruyff on Thursday, with the Manchester United man relating a story about Cruyff being one of the country's most recognizable icons.
"Recently I heard someone say, 'When I'm abroad and tell people I'm from Holland, they say the country that's famous for its tulips and for Johan Cruyff.' That's something that will always remain the same," said the winger.
"A true legend, who's no longer with us. It's a sad day."