Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has provided an update on his health two years after revealing his battle with aggressive prostate cancer.

Following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 72-year-old Dutchman stepped down from his third stint as the Netherlands’ boss to focus on his treatment, which involves radiation therapy and the use of a urine bag.

Van Gaal is currently filming a documentary titled “Always Positive” alongside Maria Blasco, director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, to support oncological research.

In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, he discussed his coping mechanisms, treatment updates, and his family’s history with death.

Reflecting on how cancer has impacted his outlook on life, Van Gaal said, “Not much, really. My father died when I was 11 years old at 53, my first wife passed away at 39, and all my brothers died too soon. I’m used to death, and I know it’s a part of life.”

He shared his initial reaction to the diagnosis, “When I first heard I had cancer, I said, ‘Okay, it’s not good news, but I better try to do something about it.’ Each human can react differently. That’s why I say: ‘Be yourself.’”

Van Gaal, who managed Manchester United from 2014 to 2016 and won the FA Cup in his final season, took a five-year break before returning to manage the Netherlands in 2021. Despite his health challenges, he appeared in good spirits while managing his team.

“I have always looked very young; that’s why my appearance is good,” he joked. “My mother had her face like a flower until the end, and I have the same luck.

I’ve been living with the disease for over three years, undergoing radiation, hormone injections, operations, and using catheters and urine bags. It’s unbelievable, but I can handle it.

I managed it even better during the World Cup because I had a goal. Having a goal has been positive for me in dealing with cancer, just like coaching.”