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Manchester United have appointed Louis van Gaal as their new manager following the sacking of David Moyes last month. As Sportsmail exclusively revealed, the Dutchman has replaced caretaker boss Ryan Giggs in the Old Trafford hot-seat at the end of the season, with the Welshman appointed assistant manager.
Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout join the club as other assistant coaches, while Van Gaal – currently the manager of Holland and who becomes the club’s first foreign boss – will begin his new role after this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
Twelve months to the day since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Van Gaal – who penned a three-year deal – said: ‘It was always a wish for me to work in the Premier League. 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. This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I’m sure we will make history.’
Ryan Giggs said: ‘I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager. Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters.
‘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.’
Hoek comes in as a goalkeeping coach, with Bout specialising in scouting opposition. There is yet no word on the future of the Class of 92, including Phil Neville and Paul Scholes.
A statement from Manchester United read: ‘Louis van Gaal will take over as manager of Manchester United from the 2014/15 season. He has signed a three-year contract.
‘Louis, 62, has managed at the top level of European football for over 20 years and in that time has won domestic titles and domestic cups in three countries, as well as the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, two UEFA Super Cups and domestic Super Cups in Holland and Germany.
‘He will take up his post after the FIFA World Cup, where he will manage the Dutch national team.
Ryan Giggs, English football’s most decorated footballer and the United player with most appearances in the club’s history, has been appointed as assistant manager. Ryan took charge of the first team for the last four matches of the 2013/14 season.’
Announcing the appointments, Ed Woodward said: ‘In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today. He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.
‘Everyone is very excited about this new phase in the club’s history. His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us.
‘People know him as a larger than life character but I have also been extremely impressed by his intelligence, thoughtful approach to the role and his diligence. I’m looking forward to working with him.
‘I’m delighted that Louis has chosen Ryan as his assistant. Ryan’s association with the club spans over two decades and his knowledge and stature will be of great use to Louis. In addition, this is a fantastic opportunity for Ryan to learn his trade alongside a world-class manager whose attacking instincts and belief in youth are tailor-made for Manchester United.’
The former Barcelona boss has never managed in England before, but he has vast experience with Ajax, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, as well as two spells in charge of the Dutch national team.
Van Gaal becomes the club’s permanent replacement for Moyes, who was sacked less than a season into his six-year deal at Old Trafford.
The ex-Everton boss oversaw a disastrous campaign, which has seen the Premier League champions fail to challenge for the title and drop out of the Champions League places.
United owners the Glazer family are prepared to back their new manager in the transfer market with Mats Hummels, Marco Reus and Toni Kroos all on Van Gaal’s summer wishlist.
Joel Glazer said: ‘I am delighted that Louis will be our next manager. He has an outstanding pedigree as a coach, both as a man who motivates his teams to win trophies and as someone who believes in giving young players a chance to prove their worth. I am sure he will make a big impression on the club, the players and the fans.’
LOUIS VAN GAAL FACTFILE
Born: August 8, 1951
Age: 62
Place of birth: Amsterdam, Holland
Clubs played for: Ajax, Royal Antwerp, Telstar, Sparta Rotterdam, AZ Alkmaar
Total appearances: 333
Total goals: 34
Clubs managed: Ajax, Barcelona (two spells), AZ Alkmaar, Bayern Munich
Countries managed: Holland (2000-02 and 2012-present)
Honours as a manager: Eredivisie (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 2008-09), UEFA Cup 1991-92, Champions League 1994-95, UEFA Super Cup (1995 and 1997), La Liga (1997-98 and 1998-99), Copa del Rey (1997-98), Bundesliga 2009-10
Avie Glazer said: ‘Louis joins us at an exciting time and has already communicated some great ideas for how the club can move forward. The board is right behind him in his plans and everyone here is already looking forward to the start of next season.’-dailymail.uk
Online Reporter