Rooney Welcomes Van Gaal

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has welcomed the arrival of new manager Louis van Gaal at the Old Trafford helm.

United confirmed the Netherlands national coach as their new manager, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant, on Monday afternoon and Rooney took to social media to welcome the Dutchman.

The 28-year-old tweeted: "Great to see Louis Van Gaal has been named @ManUtd manager. Looking forward to working with him."

The England striker also offered his congratulations to former team-mate Giggs, who has decided to end his illustrious playing career at Old Trafford to become Van Gaal's assistant.

"Congratulations also to Ryan Giggs on a special career and becoming assistant manager, I'm sure he will do a great job," Rooney tweeted.

United midfielder Michael Carrick took to Twitter on Monday, saying: "Big day..... New manager in & Giggsy hanging his boots up. Can't wait to get started again, looking forward to the next chapter."

Spanish forward Juan Mata added on Twitter: "Big day at the club. Looking forward to start the new season!"

Van Gaal has also been welcomed to the Premier League by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Dutchman next season.

Mourinho said: "He is a great football manager and I am happy he joins me in the same country and the Premier League.

"But more important than that, he's a great guy, a great man and I wish him good."