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Sir Alex Ferguson says Louis van Gaal is a "formidable" manager who can forge a strong partnership with Ryan Giggs at Manchester United. Ferguson retired in 2013 after 26 years as Old Trafford boss in which he became United's most decorated manager as he won 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues. After his successor David Moyes was sacked in April, former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Van Gaal was brought in as his replacement. Ferguson -- now a United director -- wrote in an updated version of his 2013 book, My Autobiography, quoted in the Daily Mail: "Louis is what I would call a managers' coach. He's one of those committed ultra-professionals. If I had to choose one word for him it would be 'formidable'. "Football is his life. Wherever he has managed, every footballer will have learned from him. He was a good choice." Giggs played under Ferguson for 22 years, making 942 appearances in his teams before finally retiring as a player this summer to become Van Gaal's second in command. And the 72-year-old Scot said it is "'a terrific decision. Louis could help Giggs learn about this business; Ryan could help Louis in understanding the inner workings of United." Ferguson attended many of the club's games last season and admitted he found it strange, explaining: "'I had been the United manager for the best part of 27 years, and now I was in a directors' seat with fans asking me for autographs." He also took aim at local rivals Manchester City by suggesting that, despite becoming champions for the second time in three years, they were not fulfilling their potential. City edged out Ferguson's United on goal difference in 2012 and won the league by two points last season. "There was no question that City possessed the best group of players," Ferguson added. "Though the fact they have twice won the league so narrowly leaves a question mark. Why is that?"
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