‘Man United fans should be excited by Louis van Gaal arrival’

Michael Owen believes that Manchester United fans should be hugely excited about Louis van Gaal’s imminent arrival at the club.

The 62-year-old is due to take over at Old Trafford on Wednesday after his Netherlands team finished third at the World Cup in Brazil.

His influence was evident throughout the competition

Michael Owen

Van Gaal’s Dutch side were hugely impressive during this summer’s tournament as they reached the semi-finals after having demolished defending champions Spain 5-1 in the group stage.

And former United striker Owen reckons that Van Gaal’s credentials for the Red Devils job were underlined by his side’s good form in Brazil.

Owen told the Telegraph: “If there were any doubts about Van Gaal’s credentials to become the United manager – and given his CV I doubt there ever were – they must have been eradicated after that destruction of Spain, a fixture which set the tone for a riveting tournament.

“Van Gaal’s most eye-catching decision was to substitute goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul before the quarter-final penalty shoot-out against Costa Rica.

“That encapsulated his single-mindedness but his influence was evident throughout the competition with some of his unorthodox but successful selections.

“It must have been reassuring for United fans who are desperate for the club to return to their natural home in the Champions League.”