Lee Martin, scorer of the goal that won Manchester United the FA Cup in 1990, has backed the club's decision to appoint Louis van Gaal as their new manager.

Following weeks of speculation, it was confirmed this afternoon that the 62-year-old had agreed a three-year deal to take charge of the Red Devils once his World Cup commitments cease with Holland this summer.

With his experience of having managed some of Europe's biggest teams, as well as a reputation for being a boss that takes a hard line with his players, Martin believes that he is the right man for the job following David Moyes's unsuccessful 10-month stint at the helm.

"He has experience and has won things wherever he has been, winning the Champions League and titles at big clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona. This is a very similar club to those two. He will know what it takes to carry this club forward," Martin told the club's official website.

"He will have a plan set out and it is a great acquisition for us. He is a strong character and that is what we need now. We need somebody to come in who is not frightened of players. He will set everything out and won't be afraid of giving them a rollicking in the dressing room. It is a positive move and I am pleased."

Van Gaal will be assisted by veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs, while coaches Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout will join him at Old Trafford.