Manchester United name Louis van Gaal their new manager

One of the worst-kept secrets in football has finally become official: Louis van Gaal is Manchester United’s new manager.

Van Gaal has been linked to the United job ever since David Moyes was sacked, and although there had been some murmurings about Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti coming in or interim manager Ryan Giggs taking the reins full-time, the club has opted to go with the most sensible option. Giggs will remain at the club as assistant manager.

The new boss has plenty of work to do. With Moyes steering United to their worst-ever Premier League finish after more than two decades of ruling the roost, the Red Devils need a full-scale rebuilding and a manager ruthless enough to cut out the deadwood. Van Gaal meets the billing there, but it remains to be seen whether the board is willing to sanction a complete demolition job.

On the plus side for van Gaal, succeeding David Moyes is a heck of a lot easier than being Sir Alex Ferguson’s follow-up act.