Van Gaal: Sir Bobby Was My Childhood Idol

Louis van Gaal has described Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton as one of his childhood idols ahead of Old Trafford’s South Stand being renamed in his honour on Sunday.

The 1968 European Cup winner famously welcomed van Gaal to the Theatre of Dreams when the Dutchman was officially unveiled as the Reds’ new manager back in July 2014. It was a special moment for the boss and he spoke at length about his respect and admiration for Charlton that day.

With the club set to pay tribute to Sir Bobby prior to this weekend’s Barclays Premier League match against Everton, van Gaal has praised the Old Trafford icon and thanked him for his support.

“He is on the board and is always backing me, so I am very happy with him,” van Gaal explained during his pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Friday.

“It is not only for that, because I met him on my first day as manager and I was guided by him into the stadium. He was also my idol when I was young.

“I had two idols in England, from watching the FA Cup finals. One of them was Jimmy Greaves and the other was Bobby Charlton, so I have known him already in my mind for a lot of years.

“Now I have met him personally. He is such a kind, friendly man and his wife is also very nice and friendly. I am very proud that he should get such an honour [as his own stand] because not many clubs are doing that and I am very pleased for him.”