Louis van Gaal says Manchester United are the biggest club in the world but have to re-establish themselves after last season’s horror show.
The Dutch man took charge of his first press conference since taking the Old Trafford helm after leading Holland to third in the World Cup.
Van Gaal paid tribute to United’s power on the world stage but also reminded fans of the sharp improvement needed on last season.
‘Last season you were seventh so you are not the biggest club. You have to prove yourself,’ he said.
‘But all over the world people are talking about Manchester United – that is the difference
‘It is a great challenge because of that and that is why I chose this club.
‘I have coached Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich who are all No 1 in their country. Now I am at Manchester United which is No 1 in England.
‘I have never worked in the Premier League and that is a big challenge.
‘When I worked at Barcelona that was the best league. When I worked in Germany that was the best league.
‘Now I work here maybe this is the best league.’
Van Gaal has previously been quoted as saying ‘holidays are for wimps’ as he gets straight to work at United.
He continued: ‘When there is a challenge like this I cannot let it go. This is also a holiday for me because I like to work.’