Manchester United Warned Over Louis van Gaal's First Season

Louis van Gaal could face a player-revolt at Manchester United similar to that which led to the sacking of David Moyes, according to ex-assistant boss Rene Meulensteen.

Following Moyes' sacking in April after failing to earn Champions League qualification, Van Gaal's imminent move to United has sparked renewed optimism around Old Trafford.

Van Gaal inspired Netherlands to third place at the 2014 World Cup and his extensive managerial CV which included one Champions League win and league titles in three different countries means expectations are high heading into his first season.

The 62 year old moves to United a season after Moyes faced reported opposition from players over the implementation of his vision at the club.

And Meulensteen, who left United following the appointment of Moyes in 2013 having worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, says the current crop must adapt to Van Gaal's philosophy or face a similar failure to last season.

"I think what people and all the fans of United need to take into considering is that this season will be a new start for Man United," he told talkSPORT.

"It's almost like it's the end of an era with players like [Rio ]Ferdinand, [Nemanja] Vidic and I believe [Patrice] Evra leaving, Ryan Giggs hanging up his boots and players like, one or two years without Paul Scholes so it's different - it's a new change for the team.

"That season that they've had last year, nobody expected what would happen under David Moyes and obviously United will want to leave that behind them as quickly as they can.

"In that respect, Louis van Gaal is a man with a very strong personality and a very strong philosophy, so he will try to implement that process right away. People need to buy into that but a process takes time.

"At this moment he has to build a new team because United are still a team that can be beaten, unless proven otherwise at the start of the new Premier League season."

The addition of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw has signally United's statement of intent ahead of the new season, while further signings of expected before the campaign starts on 16 August.