Beckham backs new United double act

United have just completed their worst season in recent memory after finishing seventh in the Barclays Premier League and failing to qualify for the Champions league with manager David Moyes being sacked in April.

Van Gaal was announced as his replacement on Monday and will take over after he has finished his coaching duties with Holland at the World Cup with Giggs as his assistant.

The Dutchman has won domestic titles with Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich and Giggs, who was part of the famous 'Class of 92' generation at Old Trafford, believes he has the right philosophy to take the club forward.

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

"That can only be great for Manchester United."

He added: "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."

Giggs announced his retirement as a player shortly after his appointment as Van Gaal's number two, bringing down the curtain on a career at Old Trafford which saw him make 963 appearances and win 34 trophies.

The Welshman's last acts at Old Trafford were as interim manager following the dismissal of Moyes and Beckham, who played many games on the opposite flank to Giggs under Sir Alex Ferguson, was surprised the 40-year-old hung up his boots.

"I'm surprised he's retired because he was still playing great," he said

"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.

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

He added: "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."

The futures of Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes are yet to be resolved with all three of Beckham's former team-mates part of Giggs' interim staff.

Van Gaal has already confirmed he will be bringing some of his own staff with him but Beckham hopes that some connection can be maintained with United's golden generation.

"It will be great to see if Scholesy, Butty and Phil can be involved," he 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."

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

Source : PA

Source: PA