Van Gaal named new United boss

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 17: Holland manager Louis van Gaal during the International Friendly match between The Netherlands and Ecuador at The Amsterdam Arena on May 17, 2014 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 17: Holland manager Louis van Gaal during the International Friendly match between The Netherlands and Ecuador at The Amsterdam Arena on May 17, 2014 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Published May 19, 2014

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London - Dutchman Louis van Gaal was named as Manchester United's new manager, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant, as the Premier League club issued a statement confirming the worst-kept secret in the game on Monday.

Former Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Van Gaal, who will lead Netherlands at the World Cup next month, has agreed a three-year contract, United said.

Giggs, the club's record appearance maker, took charge of United's final four Premier League of the season following the sacking of David Moyes.

Van Gaal, 62 has won domestic titles and domestic cups in three countries, as well as the Champions League with Ajax and the Uefa Cup.

"In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said in the statement.

"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.

"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 also bring Netherlands' goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek and scouting specialist Marcel Bout to the club as assistant coaches.

"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," said Van Gaal.

"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions.  Together I'm sure we will make history."

United, English champions on 20 occasions, finished seventh in the Premier League and will miss out on European football next season. Moyes, who replaced the retired Alex Ferguson, was sacked last month after 10 troubled months in the Old Trafford hotseat.

Following is a factbox on new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal who was appointed to the job on Monday.

Born: Aug. 8, 1951 in Amsterdam

1972 - Joins Ajax Amsterdam as a midfielder but never plays for the first team and is loaned out to Belgian club Antwerp.

1973-77 - Helps Antwerp twice finish as Belgian league runners-up.

1977-78 - Returns to the Netherlands with Telstar

1978-86 - Plays 286 games for Sparta Rotterdam

1986-87 - Finishes playing career with AZ Alkmaar

Coaching

1988-91 Assistant coach at Ajax

1991-97 Ajax coach

Works with future Dutch internationals including Edwin van der Sar, Patrick Kluivert, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank and Ronald de Boer, Marc Overmars, Frank Rijkaard, Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf.

Wins Dutch league title in 1994, 1995 and 1996. Wins 1992 UEFA Cup and 1995 Champions League, completing the 1994-95 season unbeaten in the domestic league and Europe.

 

Barcelona 1997-2000

Replaces Bobby Robson as Barca manager and leads them to the 1998 and 1999 Spanish titles. Loses out on 2000 title to Deportivo La Coruna and, amid reports of falling out with big-name players including Brazilian forward Rivaldo, leaves the club.

 

Netherlands 2000-02

Fails to qualify the national team for the 2002 World Cup, the first time they had missed out on the tournament since 1986.

 

Barcelona 2002-03

Returns to the Nou Camp but is sacked in January with the club three points above the relegation zone.

 

Ajax 2004

Returns to Ajax as technical director but resigns due to internal divisions.

 

AZ Alkmaar 2005-09

Leads AZ to second place in Dutch league in 2006, third in 2007 and champions in 2009.

 

Bayern Munich 2009-11

Wins 2010 Bundesliga title and reaches the Champions League final in the same year, losing 2-0 to Inter Milan, but Bayern finish third in 2011 and Van Gaal is sacked.

Netherlands 2012-14

Leads Dutch side through 2014 World Cup qualification to the finals in Brazil, winning nine out of 10 games.

Manchester United 2014

Named as manager, succeeding David Moyes who was sacked after a dismal 10-month reign at Old Trafford. – Reuters

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