New manager Louis van Gaal is relishing the challenge of reviving the fortunes of Manchester United.
The 62-year-old Dutchman was speaking today at Old Trafford where he was unveiled at a packed press conference.
“When people talk about Manchester United there are a lot of expectations. And because of that it is a great challenge and why I have come here,” he explained.
Van Gaal, who recently guided Holland to runners-up spot in the World Cup, added that in only two days at Old Trafford he has realised he is at the biggest club in the world.
He continued: “It is the biggest club because it is known worldwide as I found out when I was working in China and Brazil.
“In sport you are never the biggest club, and you have to prove it every season. Last year we finished seventh so we are not the biggest club.
“For me the challenge is to finish first, not fourth (to qualify for the Champions League). I have also never worked in the Premier League so that it also a big challenge.”
Van Gaal refused to make predictions saying it is impossible to say how the team will fare in 2014/15 season adding many never saw Holland finishing runners-up in the World Cup, Germany beating Brazil 7-1 and Holland beating Brazil 3-0.
“I have to prepare a team and also adapt to this big club. It won’t be easy and I will do my utmost. You can see from my career I have won things and the future will show if I can do it again, but it won’t be easy” he continued.
He added Barcelona were the top team in Spain, Ajax the leading lights in Holland and Bayern Munich in Germany when he managed all the clubs with the challenge to make Manchester United number one again.
Van Gaal added there won’t be wholesale changes and he intends to give the current players between three and four weeks to prove themselves before he contemplates making any signings.
The Dutchman has imposed his philosophy throughout previous clubs from the youth team to senior side, but says at United that his “main project” will be the first team for the first couple of years.
He also explained that he will not be frightened to blood youngsters if they are good enough.
“I played Clarence Seedorf in the first team at Ajax when he was aged 16, but sometimes a 16-year-old can have more experience than a player aged 30. It depends on their character,” he explained.
Van Gaal will also be keeping Paul Scholes and Phil Neville at Old Trafford, but says it is impossible to say at this stage in what capacities.