Van Gaal starts new era at United

Louis van Gaal started a new era at Manchester United on Wednesday as the Dutch manager arrived for his first day in charge of the fallen giant.

Just days after securing the Netherlands' third-place finish at the World Cup, van Gaal jetted into Manchester to begin the task of restoring United to its position as the Premier League's pre-eminent force.

The 62-year-old Dutchman was appointed as replacement for the sacked David Moyes two months ago, but his World Cup commitments meant he had to wait until now to officially take the reins at Old Trafford.