Man United hires Louis van Gaal as manager after firing David Moyes last month
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Netherlands' coach Louis van Gaal watches his players during the line up prior to the international friendly soccer match between Netherlands and Ecuador at ArenA stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, May 17, 2014. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) (The Associated Press)
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has been hired as Manchester United manager, tasked with repairing the damage from David Moyes' disappointing 10 months in charge and reviving the fortunes of one of the world's biggest clubs.
The 62-year-old Dutchman signed a three-year contract, the club announced Monday, and he will take over at Old Trafford after the World Cup in Brazil, becoming the first United manager from outside Britain and Ireland. Former United star Ryan Giggs will be his assistant.
Van Gaal has experience coaching — and winning trophies — at some of the world's top teams, but even spells at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich may not prepare him for the rebuilding job required at United.