Lionel Messi Needs Cristiano Ronaldo - Patrick Kluivert

Coach Kluivert believes that the continuous rivary between Messi and Ronaldo has helped to keep the Argentine magician at the top of his game.

Barcelona icon Patrick Kluivert believes Lionel Messi “needs” a rival like Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the best out of him. The Argentine has rocketed back to his best form in 2015, winning the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey in a euphoric season at Camp Nou.

Messi's performances have seen him installed as heavy favourite to win January's Ballon d'Or, which Real Madrid's Ronaldo has won the previous two years.

Patrick Kluivert Not Surprised About Manchester United's Turnaround

Netherlands icon Patrick Kluivert is not surprised that things are starting to click for Louis van Gaal at Manchester United. Kluivert was part of Van Gaal's backroom staff when he coached the Netherlands, who he led to the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

And although he did not follow the tactician to Old Trafford, Kluivert - formerly of Barcelona, Milan and Newcastle United - has watched on with interest. After embarking on a spending spree that cost United more than £150million in the close-season - headlined by the acquisition of star winger Angel di Maria - Van Gaal's men have climbed to fourth in the Premier League table.

Kluivert Will Not Join Louis Van Gaal At Manchester United

Netherlands assistant coach Patrick Kluivert will not be part of Louis van Gaal's backroom team at Manchester United.

The former Oranje striker, who has been Van Gaal's assistant since August 2012, had reportedly been set to link up with the 62-year-old at United. The Dutchman is expected to be named the next United manager this week after agreeing a deal to replace David Moyes 10 days ago during a meeting with a United delegation at his villa in the Algarve.

Giggs, who will take charge of United against Hull City on Tuesday night in the third of his four matches in interim charge, has spoken of how his own future remains unclear.