If you aren’t already familiar with yesterday’s announcement, Louis van Gaal has now been appointed as David Moyes’ permanent successor at Manchester United, signing a 3 year deal.

Van Gaal brings to United a vast wealth of experience, having managed Barcelona, Bayern Munich & Ajax to domestic titles, as well as winning the Champions League with Ajax in 1995. Louis was originally lined up to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2002, until Ferguson decided against retiring and instead lead the club for a further 11 years.

Van Gaal has already stated his intention to return United to the summit. Speaking on Dutch TV station RTL, Gaal said, “Spain saw me succeed in my first year and in Germany as well. In England, it must also be possible… but there can only be one champion.”

Following his appointment, it was announced that Ryan Giggs would be retiring as a professional football player, instead taking up the role of Assistant Manager to Louis Van Gaal.

In an open letter to United fans, Giggs said,

“I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times. My dream was always to play for Manchester United, and 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. I have always felt and appreciated your support.”

What do you make of the news? Do you think Louis Van Gaal and Ryan Giggs is a winning managerial combination? Tweet us your thoughts @NWFAwards

And just before we sign off, here’s another fact we were intrigued to discover…

The current Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich managers all worked together at Barcelona from 1997-2000 .