Van Gaal to take reins at ‘biggest club in the world’
NETHERLANDS boss Louis van Gaal will take over as the manager of Manchester United with Ryan Giggs as his assistant.
United announced yesterday that Van Gaal has signed a threeyear contract to succeed David Moyes who was sacked in April after a disastrous run of results.
His duties with the Dutch team means Van Gaal will only join up with United after the World Cup, which would not be until midJuly if Holland reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Van Gaal, a disciplinarian who has won domestic titles and cups with Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as the Champions League, will become the first manager from outside Britain to take charge of United.
He said he was looking forward to taking charge of the “biggest club in the world”. “It was always a wish for me to work in the Premier League,” said Van Gaal.
“To work as a manager for the biggest club in the world makes me very proud. I’ve managed in games at Old Trafford before and know what an incredible arena it is and how passionate the fans are. This club has big ambitions.
“I too have ambitions. Together I’m sure we will make history.”
Giggs, who was in charge of the last four games of the season after Moyes’ departure, said: “I’m thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager. Van Gaal is a world-class coach and I’ll learn a lot about coaching from being able to observe and contribute at close quarters.
“Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I’m delighted to be able to continue that relationship,” said Giggs.
Club executive vicechairman Ed Woodward, under pressure to oversee a revival in the Red Devils’ fortunes, said: “In Van Gaal, we have the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today.”
Van Gaal emerged as favourite to take over at Old Trafford after Moyes was dismissed. Moyes was the handpicked by former boss Alex Ferguson after Fergie retir- ed at the end of last season.
But the former Everton boss struggled to adjust to life at the Red Devils and was fired just months into a six-year deal after United finished seventh. — AFP