Louis van Gaal will finally begin work as Manchester United manager on Tuesday afternoon, arriving at Manchester Airport after an eventful World Cup campaign with Holland. The 62-year-old, whose reputation has been enhanced by guiding his native country to third place in Brazil, will then travel to a new home in Cheshire prepared by his wife Truus.
On Wednesday morning, Van Gaal will visit the AON Training Complex at Carrington for the first time, where he will meet senior club officials, his backroom staff, and his players. A press conference at Old Trafford is expected on Thursday, followed by a flight to the United States on Friday for four pre-season friendlies.
The Dutchman's journey since leaving Amsterdam for the World Cup on June 6 will have covered nearly 50,000km by the time United return to Carrington on August 3. Despite suggestions he needed a holiday, Van Gaal was determined to start work immediately, with only 32 days until the Premier League opener against Swansea.
Among his immediate tasks is strengthening the defence after the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, and Patrice Evra. Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen remains a prime target, with a wage package reportedly agreed, but Arsene Wenger is holding out for at least £12m. Van Gaal also admires Vermaelen's versatility to cover left-back for Luke Shaw, though Wolfsburg's Ricardo Rodriguez is also being monitored.
