Louis van Gaal, who in nine days time will watch on as the Dutch take on Spain in their World Cup opener, heads to Brazil hoping to land the 1988 European champions their first Jules Rimet trophy.

Juan Mata, who joined United for a club record £37 million, is expected to start for Spain in their World Cup warm-up match against Bolivia tonight.

Former owner Malcolm Glazer, who bought the Old Trafford club in 2005 but suffered a severe stroke in 2006, died yesterday aged 85.

United super striker Van Persie over the moon about new manager Louis van Gaal following the 62-year-old’s move to Old Trafford.

Reports say new manager Louis van Gaal will be given a £200m transfer war chest to spend to improve on last season’s dismal seventh place finish.

United turned to Netherlands manager Van Gaal, who guided Ajax to a Champions League triumph over AC Milan in 1995, this week having sacked Moyes in April.

Will Manchester United spend the funds they need to in order to get back to the top of the Premier League or will their owners think twice about spending so much?

Louis van Gaal has been appointed as Manchester United manager after weeks of speculation following David Moyes’ sacking.

The 40-year-old has made 963 appearances for United in a career spanning more than 24 years

United legend Ryan Giggs confirmed as Dutchman’s assistant with Robin van Persie touted as choice of skipper.

The Reds were a shadow of the team that claimed their 20th Premier League crown the previous year, exhibiting the worst title defence since Blackburn Rovers in 1995-96