Van Gaal’s Dutch side will play Argentina in the World Cup last four therefore keeping him in Brazil until the final weekend as United, meanwhile, prepare to embark for their USA tour on the 18th.

Fletcher’s initial taste of pre-season first-team action came in 2003’s trip to the United States, when United visited Seattle, Los Angeles and New Jersey.

The 24-year-old, who was the subject of a ‘hoax’ bid claimed to be from the club last summer, has signed a four-year deal with the Old Trafford outfit after they met his contract release clause.

Herrera, 24, was one of David Moyes’ main transfer targets last summer, and was widely expected to sign for the club from Athletic Bilbao

Ex-Manchester United striker Andrew Cole has backed claims that England players duck out of international duty, insisting that international football is ‘just a bonus’.

Following the Netherlands’ destruction of holders Spain, orchestrated by new United boss Louis van Gaal, it would be a wasted opportunity to not discuss the smoke issuing from the Old Trafford rumour mill.

Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Mel B will take the places behind the judging panel

Wayne Rooney has dismissed claims from former Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes that his best years are behind him ahead of England’s World Cup warm-up game again against Honduras.

The Dutchman was one of 142 coaches from 20 countries including the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain who were consulted by the League Managers Association (LMA) for its Castrol European Manager & Coaches Survey

Andrew Flintoff has given cricket fans a no ball after the England legend will not feature in the battle of the Roses Natwest T20 game tonight.

Welshman Giggs envisages good times under the new regime though it may well be a few years yet until he takes on a management himself after a career that included a record 963 appearances for the Old Trafford club.