Beckham Backing For Van Gaal

David Beckham believes Louis van Gaal is the ideal choice as the new Manchester United manager and has backed Ryan Giggs to make a seamless transition into his role as assistant boss.

Netherlands coach Van Gaal will take up his post at Old Trafford following the World Cup this summer, with the Red Devils confirming his long-anticipated appointment on Monday.

United also announced that Giggs will be part of the Dutchman's backroom staff, with the club legend calling time on his playing career after 963 appearances for his only team.

And former United midfielder Beckham, who came through the ranks alongside Giggs as part of the famous 'Class of 92', reckons the experienced Van Gaal will be able to banish the memories of David Moyes' ill-fated and brief spell as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

He told Sky Sports News: "He has got a history of working with young players, bringing players through academy systems at places like Ajax.

"That can only be great for Manchester United.

"As a Manchester United fan and for Manchester United as a club, to have someone like this with his pedigree - he has worked with some of the biggest and best players in the world."

Beckham claims he had expected Giggs to continue his astonishing playing career, which saw him claim 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.

He added: "I'm surprised he's retired because he was still playing great. Physically he's still in great condition, to play for so many years at the top level you have to be in great condition.

"Now he has a new role at the club and it was great to see him walk out as Manchester United manager for those four games.

"When you've got someone like Giggsy, who all the players respect and all the fans love, it makes a huge difference.

"His role now has totally changed and I'm sure he will find it an easy transition because he takes things in his stride, he's not affected by anything.

"He knows the club better than most people who are at Manchester United now."

Beckham has called on Van Gaal to involve more of the 'Class of 92' at Old Trafford after Giggs brought in Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and retained the services of Phil Neville for his spell in interim charge after Moyes was sacked.

"It will be great to see if Scholesy, Butty and Phil can be involved," the former England captain said.

"When I saw them all sat on the bench it was an amazing sight and it was one that made me emotional - I've spent my whole career with these lads."

And when asked if he wanted to be sat alongside his former team-mates, Beckham added: "Of course I did, I was proud to see that image."