Van Gaal relishing United challenge

MANCHESTER United will spend a second successive summer preparing for a new era after finally confirming the appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager.

The club announced the vastly experienced Dutchman’s appointment to Old Trafford when his commitments as Holland boss end following the World Cup.

Van Gaal has already made his first popular decision by installing club hero Ryan Giggs as his assistant. Giggs (40) has officially ended his playing career after a record 963 appearances and 13 Premier League titles with United.

The pair could lift spirits after sacked manager David Moyes’ ill–fated regime, which ended with the finishing seventh in the Premier League and failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Already 62–year–old Van Gaal, who has won titles with Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, is speaking in bullish terms.

“To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud,” said Van Gaal. “This club has big ambitions. I too have big ambitions. Together I’m sure we will make history.”

United striker Wayne Rooney took to Twitter on Monday evening to welcome his new boss to Old Trafford. The 28 year old posted: “Great to see Louis Van Gaal has been named manager. Looking forward to working with him. Congratulations also to Ryan Giggs on a special career. I’m sure he will do a great job.”

Giggs, who made his debut in 1991, said: “Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key role.”

Holland goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek and coach Marcel Bout, a specialist in opposition scouting, will also join the backroom staff.