United coach van Gaal welcomes Guardiola arrival

Manchester, Feb 3: Manchester United head coach Louis van Gaal has welcomed Manchester City's appointment of Pep Guardiola as their new coach from the next football season.

Guardiola played under Van Gaal during their time together at Barcelona and the Dutchman made the former midfielder his captain at the Camp Nou stadium.

The Spaniard has since followed his old boss into management and enjoyed great success during his time in charge of both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Guadiola’s next challenge will see him replace Manuel Pellegrini at City next summer, where he will immediately become a rival of van Gaal, though the Dutchman says he will be happy to see him.

"He is my former captain so I am very pleased to see him. And I can speak Spanish so it is very convenient for me!” van Gaal said after United’s 3-0 win over Stoke City in the English Premier League on Tuesday.

Goals each from Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney saw the side earn a vital win at home.