Manchester United Appoint Louis Van Gaal as New Manager

Manchester United have officially announced the appointment of Dutch tactician Luis Van Gaal as the club’s new manager on a three-year deal. Both Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout are to also join as coaches and will try to reposition the club back to winning ways after a very disastrous 2013/2014 season.

Van Gaal, 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 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he will manage the Dutch National Team with the sole aim of winning the tournament they lost agonizingly to Spain four years ago in South Africa.

Ryan Giggs, English football’s most decorated footballer and the United player with the most appearances in the club’s history, has been appointed as assistant manager. Giggs took charge of the first team for the last four matches of the 2013/14 season. The Welsh-born former player announced his retirement from football to fully concentrate on his new role.

His career spanned 23 years for United, and during the golden years, Giggs helped the club to 13 premier league titles. He also scored in all but his final season at Old Trafford.

Commenting on this new development on United’s official website, Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward stated, “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.”

Van Gaal will bring a much stronger personality, dominance and befitting record of success than David Moyes, but it is generally unclear what the Dutch tactician will do to kick-start United back to being title contenders. It has been rumored that his pal and Holland’s record highest goal scorer, Robin Van Persie, will become the club’s new captain- a situation that could further divide the locker room. Van Gaal does not play but one thing is clear, he is a proven winner.

Reacting to his appointment via the Club’s official website, Louis van Gaal 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.”

Frans Hoek is the Netherlands’ goalkeeping coach and has been instrumental in the development of keepers such as United legend Edwin van der Sar and Barcelona’s Victor Valdes. He joins as assistant coach, specializing in goalkeeping. Marcel Bout joins as assistant coach, specializing in opposition scouting, having previously worked for Bayern Munich, Telstar, AZ, FC Volendam and Feyenoord.