Manchester United decided to part ways with manager David Moyes after just one season, and it leaves them looking for a replacement for the second year in a row. They wasted no time finding a successor settling on Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal. He is looking to waste no time and is eyeing a championship in his first season in the premier Leage.
“I would be proud if it works right away,” Van Gaal said, via BBC.
He added: “Spain saw me succeed in my first year and in Germany as well. In England, it must also be possible.
“But there can only be one champion.”
Van Gaal is bringing a lot of excitement to the club, and is also familiar with striker Robin van Persie. Former United legend David Beckham, who has played for some of the world’s biggest clubs, has backed Van Gaal for the job and voiced his support.
“He has got a history of working with young players, bringing players through academy systems at places like Ajax,” Beckham told Sky Sports News.
“That can only be great for Manchester United.
“As a Manchester United fan and for Manchester United as a club, to have someone like this with his pedigree – he has worked with some of the biggest and best players in the world.”
Van Gaal will keep legendary player Ryan Giggs around as his No. 2. Giggs had been serving as interim manager after Moyes release, and he will retire from playing to take the job.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football and embark upon a new and exciting chapter in my life, as assistant manager of Manchester United,” Giggs wrote in an open letter to fans on the club’s website
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“For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions – immense pride, sadness, but most of all, excitement towards the future. United fans I hope will share and echo my belief that the club, the management and owners, are doing everything they can to return this great club to where it belongs, and I hope to be there every step of the way.”
Beckham also weighed in on Giggs decision, admitting that there was a bit of surprise that he was retiring.
“I’m surprised he’s retired because he was still playing great. Physically he’s still in great condition, to play for so many years at the top level you have to be in great condition,” Beckham said.
“Now he has a new role at the club and it was great to see him walk out as Manchester United manager for those four games.
“When you’ve got someone like Giggsy, who all the players respect and all the fans love, it makes a huge difference.
“His role now has totally changed and I’m sure he will find it an easy transition because he takes things in his stride, he’s not affected by anything.
“He knows the club better than most people who are at Manchester United now.”