Van Gaal named United manager

United confirmed van Gaal's signing on Monday, announcing the ex-Bayern Munich coach had signed on a three-year deal. He replaces David Moyes, who was fired in April after just 10 months in the job. Midfielder Ryan Giggs, who spent his entire 23-year career with United, also announced his retirement Monday and will join van Gaal's coaching staff as an assistant.

Van Gaal, 62, has previously coached some of the biggest teams in world football. His previous managerial posts include Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team, as well as a two-year stint at Bayern Munich from 2009-2011 in which he won a league-cup double and reached the Champions League final in 2010.

"To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud," van Gaal said in a United statement. "This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."

The United job is van Gaal's first coaching job in England in his 28-year managerial career. He is also the Manchester club's first manager from outside of Britain and Ireland.

Storied career

Van Gaal, who spent more than 15 years as a player in the Netherlands and Belgium, began his managerial career as an assistant with Ajax in 1988. After taking over first team duties in 1991, he went on to win three league titles and the 1995 Champions League with a legendary side that included the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Patrick Kluivert, Dennis Bergkamp and Clarence Seedorf, among others.

He went on to coach Barcelona, the Dutch national team, Ajax once more and AZ Alkmaar. His most recent coaching job at the club level with Bayern ended three years ago.

Manchester United finished 7th in the Premier League this season and without any silverware after what was roundly considered a disappointing campaign under Moyes, who took over for longtime manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Van Gaal is expected to be given considerable funds with which to restrengthen the United squad and return to the Champions League - resources that were unavailable to Moyes.

"Everyone is excited about this new phase in the club's history," said United vice-chairman Ed Woodward. "His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us."

Giggs retires

Coinciding with his joining van Gaal's staff, Giggs said he was calling time his playing career and beggining an "exciting new chapter" in his life. After first debuting for United in 1991, he went on to play 963 competitive matches for the club, winning 13 league titles and two Champions League trophies, as well as numerous other individual and team awards.

"Although it saddens me to know I won't be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football," the Welshman said in a club statement. "I have always felt and appreciated your support."

Giggs, who ended his career as the most-successful British player of all time, also voiced his support for United's new manager.

"Louis van Gaal is a great appointment and ... I am delighted to be working with someone of his caliber," he said. "His credentials are second to none and I'm positive the club will thrive under his leadership over the coming years."

Is van Gaal the right man for the job? Is Giggs the logical choice to take over longterm? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

dr/pfd (AP, Reuters, AFP, dpa)