Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Giggs: Van Gaal similar to Ferguson

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs has claimed that the club's new head coach Louis van Gaal has an aura that is comparable to legendary Old Trafford manager Alex Ferguson.

Van Gaal appears to have made a huge impression on United's players in his first week in the job, with Giggs among those captivated by the experienced Dutchman's impact as he compared him favourably to Ferguson.

"Yes, I do see similarities," stated Giggs, in quotes appearing in the Daily Telegraph. "They both have an aura about them, but that comes from the success they have had.

"They demand that the players respond and they demand respect. In the short space of time I have worked with Louis, you can see why he has been a success. He is infectious.

"I think that's down to mentality, it's down to fitness and it's down to the decision-making of a manager. You have to have that if you are manager of Manchester United. You have to make decisions and you have to put them into practice.

"He wants everything right from the first minute of training to the last. Everything we are working from is the blueprint he sent over from the World Cup, every minute of every session is laid down.

"Just everything he does is clear and everyone gets it straight away. He has a unique way of putting it over and it's brilliant to see. It's quite simple, but if you make a mistake he will tell you and if you do something good he will tell you. He makes no bones about who you are.

"It is perhaps a little bit different to what the players are used to, but it's a different manager with different ideas and a different philosophy."

Meanwhile, Giggs challenged the defenders in Van Gaal's squad to rise to the challenge at United this season, as Van Gaal looks to rebuild a defence following the exit of Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand.

"This is a great chance for the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, with Rio and Vida going. It's a chance for them to go to the next level," he added.

"We know they are quality players and they need to show it on a consistent basis. You hope they respond in a positive way. I'm sure they can't wait to get onto Old Trafford and produce the form they are all capable of."

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