Van Gaal says Man United is the biggest football club on the planet.
New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that he is taking charge of the biggest club in the world.
The 62-year-old Dutchman held his first press conference as United boss on Thursday afternoon.
He told the gathered media that he simply could not turn down the chance to manage the Red Devils, who have been champions of England 20 times.
Van Gaal feels suitably prepared for his new role, having previously managed Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax.
He is quoted by The Mirror as saying: “This is the biggest club in the world.
“I will do my utmost best and you can see what I have won. I want to show if I can do it again.
“It is the biggest club worldwide, but in sport you are never the biggest club every season – you have to prove. Last season you were seventh so you are not the biggest club in sport.
“But well known over the world. When I was in Brazil people were talking about Manchester United. That’s the difference.
“It’s a lot of expectation also, but it’s a great chance because of that.”
He added: “When you have been asked by the biggest club in the world I could not let that go.
“I’ve already had the number one of Spain, Germany and Holland – in my eyes the four strongest competitions in the world.
“There’s a Dutch journo here laughing now because he thinks the Dutch league is nothing – we have proved that in Brazil.”
Van Gaal led the Netherlands to third place at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
His side were the only nation at the tournament other than champions Germany and surprise package Costa Rica to remain unbeaten during normal and extra time.
The Netherlands were defeated on penalty kicks by Argentina at the semi-final stage, but they bounced back to overcame Brazil 3-0 in the third-place playoff.
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