Agencies
London, May 19
Louis van Gaal has been named as Manchester United manager, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant.
Van Gaal, 62, has signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes.
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.
“This club has big ambitions. I too have big ambitions,” he said. “Together I’m sure we will make history.”
He added, “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.”
After ending the reign of Moyes in April after a troubled 10 months, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is convinced he has appointed the right man this time.
“His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice,” said Woodward.
“In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today. Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.”
It seems Van Gaal has wasted no time in making his intentions clear.
“Louis has already communicated some great ideas for how the club can move forward,” said United co-chairman Avie Glazer.
“The board is right behind him in his plans and everyone here is already looking forward to the start of next season.”
Giggs, 40, who took charge for the final four games of the season following the departure of Moyes, met Van Gaal in the Netherlands last week to talk about his future.
His appointment as assistant marks the end of an illustrious playing career in which he won 35 major trophies in 961 starts and 160 substitute appearances.
“I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager,” said the Welshman.
“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.”
United finished seventh in the Premier League, after a title defence that featured one-sided defeats by Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
They have failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1995-96 and are out of European football entirely for the first time in 25 years.
Club legend Giggs, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp had been linked to the post, but Van Gaal is the man trusted to restore the club to the top of the domestic and European game.
