Ryan Giggs is confident that Louis van Gaal will not be afraid of the challenge of taking over at Manchester United. Giggs, now the assistant manager at Old Trafford, has been in contact with Van Gaal while the incoming manager was leading Holland to the World Cup semi-finals.

While the Welshman is currently organising United’s training sessions and adhering to a “blueprint” laid down by Van Gaal prior to the Dutchman taking over at United, Giggs said: “He will relish and look forward to it. He has been at big clubs – Barcelona, Bayern Munich – and in my eyes he is now at the biggest club. He has a clear philosophy and is not afraid of taking over United.”

Giggs was speaking at the launch of the club’s Reunited14 pre-season event which takes place on 12 August when United face Valencia at Old Trafford in their final pre-season friendly.

Van Gaal’s assistant added that it will become clear over the next 24 hours when the Dutchman will be at the club next week. It is thought this could be as early as Tuesday, 15 July.