Peter Schmeichel: Van Gaal Best Man to Take United Forward

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes that Louis van Gaal's appointment will turn the tide at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman was officially announced as United's manager on 19 May and will take charge of the club after the World Cup, where he is currently acting as the manager of the Dutch national team. He will replace Ryan Giggs as the interim manager, who will join Van Gaal next season as his assistant.

Schmeichel, who has spent some brilliant years at Old Trafford in regards to achievements, believes that the Dutchman is the perfect candidate to take United forward.

The Red Devils finished the league in seventh spot under David Moyes, having taken over from Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired at the end of last season.

Moyes failed to live up to expectations and was given the sack after their 2-0 loss to Everton in the league, which ensured their ouster from the Champions League next season.

Schmeichel believes that Van Gaal's experience in the top flight for more than 20 years will be valuable as United look to rebuild from scratch.

"Van Gaal has coached at the very highest level for 20 years," Schmeichel told the Mirror.

"He was at Barcelona, which was a madhouse at the time, and he's been to Bayern Munich and coached Holland. This is a hugely experienced guy.

"He doesn't suffer fools easily. Now more than ever, you need someone with experience and a defined direction. I think he has that.

"He's the kind of manager you need: a self-assured guy who the players look at and think: 'He's the boss, he's in charge, and if we want to be here we have to follow him.'

"That's not a criticism of David Moyes, but he was left in a very difficult situation. But what we need now is someone who has the set of skills that Van Gaal has. If it's him, I think he'd be very welcome at Old Trafford," he concluded.