As expected Manchester United have named Dutch national team coach Louis van Gaal at the club’s new manager. United legend Ryan Giggs has been named as van Gaal’s assistant.
The Dutchman, who has won titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar, will take charge at Old Trafford after leading the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. Depending on how for Holland go in the tournament, van Gaal might not take over until mid-July, two weeks after the club begins its preseason training.
“This club has big ambitions. I too have big ambitions,” he said. “Together I’m sure we will make history.”
“To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud.
“I have managed in games at Old Trafford before and know what an incredible arena Old Trafford is and how passionate and knowledgeable the fans are.”
Speaking on Dutch TV station RTL, Van Gaal said his immediate objectives were to return United to “number one spot” as soon as possible and that fans “will think they are champions of England again within a year”.
He added: “Spain saw me succeed in my first year and in Germany as well. In England, it must also be possible.
While he has a very good reputation for bringing through youngsters and he says he intends to give youth its chance again at United, all the attention will be on who United sign this summer.
United have reportedly allocated £200 million for the transfer budget this summer, and with the signing of Luke Shaw completed but not announced, that will leave around £179 million for van Gaal to spend on new players., Reportedly high on his list is Bayern Munich’s midfielder Toni Kroos, Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels and Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal.
