体坛英语新闻：Van Gaal to take charge at Manchester United after World Cup

THE HAGUE, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Dutch national team coach Louis van Gaal reached an agreement to become the new coach of Manchester United after the World Cup, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Saturday.

According to De Telegraaf, the 62-year-old coach agreed on a multi-million contract with the English club on late Friday.

The negotiations took place in the Portuguese city of Algarve, where Van Gaal owns a holiday home, the Dutch newspaper stated. Van Gaal will start at United immediately after the World Cup.

United had to search for a new coach after the sacking of David Moyes earlier this week. Ryan Giggs was appointed as his interim replacement. Moyes had succeeded his illustrious Scottish compatriot Sir Alex Ferguson last year.

The results under Moyes were disappointing with an exit in the FA Cup and the Champions League and a current seventh place in the Premier League for the reigning champions.

Van Gaal's mission will be to build a new team and to reach that goal he will receive 100 million euros (138 million U.S. dollars) to spend on transfers, according to De Telegraaf. Van Gaal's compatriots Robin van Persie, captain of the Dutch team, and Alexander Buttner are currently under contract at United.

Last year Van Gaal had already announced to stop with the Dutch team after the World Cup. He also said to take a sabbatical year or to sign at a major foreign club, preferably in the English Premier League.

Van Gaal gained league titles in the Netherlands (AZ, Ajax), Germany (Bayern Munich) and Spain (FC Barcelona). He will be present at his first major tournament as national team coach at the forthcoming World Cup.