Thursday 10 July 2014 17:12, UK
Manchester United have announced Louis van Gaal’s first game in charge at Old Trafford will be against Valencia on Tuesday, August 12.
The game is part of the ‘REUNITED 14’ pre-season event that celebrates a number of key milestones at the club as the 2014/15 season approaches.
Van Gaal, who is currently preparing his Netherlands squad for the World Cup third-place play-off against Brazil, will make his home bow at the match which will also see Ryan Giggs return to the dugout for the first time as the club's assistant manager.
Meanwhile, the fans can also expect to see a first glimpse of new signings Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw.
"It will be exciting," said Giggs. "I got a taste of it towards the end of last season, sitting in the dug out, so I'm looking forward to working with Louis and tremendously proud to be assistant manager.
"The whole of pre-season is important, but the nearer you get to the first game then the more sharpness you have in your game. It's Louis' first game in the dugout at Old Trafford - and Ander and Luke's first game too - so it will be an introduction for the new players and the manager."
Giggs believes United's fans will have been encouraged by the Netherlands' performances at the World Cup.
"It was obviously disappionting going out last night, but it's been a fantastic campaign for him, starting with a result that no one could have foreseen - 5-1 against Spain. Obviously it's been great for United fans to watch and see Louis do so well.
"I've spoken to him a couple of times, swapped a few emails. It's been hard because he's either preparing for games or travelling. But we've been in contact and the preparation has gone well. He'll meet the players and everyone at Carrington on Monday."
Manchester United group managing director, Richard Arnold, told the club's official website: “This event marks the start of the next chapter at Old Trafford with a new manager and new players making their first appearances in front of a home crowd.
“REUNITED 14 is the perfect opportunity for fans to be part of these special moments in the club’s history.”
