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Day of firsts: Louis van Gaal arrives in Manchester to take up United job as new kit hits shelves

Louis van Gaal takes the reins at Manchester United today as the club enter a new era under their first foreign manager.

The Dutchman is expected to visit United’s Carrington training complex as he gets his feet under the desk in his new role – just four days after exiting his Holland job with third spot in the World Cup.

 

 

He will meet the media tomorrow before he and his new charges head for the United States ahead of the first game against LA Galaxy on July 23.

The Dutchman is not the only new arrival at the club as the new Red Devils kit also makes its debut on shelves today following its unveiling last week.

The last jersey with current partners Nike as United confirmed a record ten-year £750million deal with Adidas, the shirt is the first under new sponsors Chevrolet.

And one fan got a chance to grab her shirt ahead of the launch after finding United mascot Fred the Red’s hiding spot at Old Trafford.

The mascot hid in a secret location at Old Trafford with just one shirt that would be awarded to the first person to discover his lair.

Stretford End season ticket holder Ella Glaesener was the winner, spotting the prize just one minute into the search.

But the German-born Red had a clear advantage that ensured she could beat the crowds to bag the shirt.

“I live on Sir Matt Busby Way and didn’t have to be at work until 10 o’clock,” she said. “So I thought I would come down to the stadium and look for the shirt after I saw the initial tweet.

“I can’t believe that I’ve won and I’m looking forward to wearing my new shirt.”

The Dutchman is expected to visit United’s Carrington training complex as gets his feet under the desk in his new role – just four days after exiting his Holland job with third spot in the World Cup.

The new shirt received a backlash from fans after it was revealed with common complaints targeting Chevrolet’s large badge as the main source of controversy – but Ella is a fan.

“I really like this season’s design, too,” Ella said. “The new collar is really nice, as well as the sleeves. For me, it looks much better than last year’s kit and I’m happy that I’ve got mine before anyone else.”

 

 

As for the new season, Ella is excited by the side’s prospects: “I am really looking forward to the Louis van Gaal era because I was really impressed by his performance at the World Cup and his no-nonsense approach. It’s exciting for every United fan.”

Main image courtesy of Press Association via YouTube, with thanks.

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