TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Manchester United's assistant manager Ryan Giggs said the club's new boss Louis Van Gaal has similarities with former coach Sir Alex Ferguson. "I do think there are similarities with Fergie," said Giggs. "They do have an aura about them. That comes from the success they have had."
"They demand the players respond and they demand respect," the former United’s midfielder said to Sky Sport.
Van Gaal has officially started working as United boss last week after leading the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup and oversaw a 7-0 thrashing of LA Galaxy in his first match Wednesday night.
The Dutchman has enjoyed success at the likes of Ajax and Barcelona earlier in his career, and has been charged with the job of breathing a new life into United following last term's lacklustre campaign under David Moyes.
Ferguson and Van Gaal are known as figures who rule with iron fists. They both appeared serious more often than smiling. During his time with the Red Devils, Ferguson was known for his 'hairdryer treatment': blasting his players with rage in the dressing room when they don’t perform well enough.
Giggs also said that he was impressed with Van Gaal’s immediate blend with the team.
"He is infectious. He wants everything right from the first minute of training to the last. Everything he does is clear, and everyone gets it straight away. He has got a unique way of putting it over but it's brilliant to see it at first hand," Giggs added.
"It's quite simple but if you make a mistake he will tell you and if you do something good he will tell you. You know what you are doing wrong and you know what you are doing right. He makes no bones about who you are."
The Dutchman has started his role in Manchester United brightly after bringing the club to victory over LA Galaxy 7-0 in a friendly match at Rose Bowl on Thursday.
SKY SPORTS | ANTONIUS WISHNU