Louis van Gaal to join Manchester United squad on tour next week

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 08 July 2014

Manchester United confirm that new manager Louis van Gaal will join them on their pre-season tour to the USA, less than a week after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Louis van Gaal will officially meet his Manchester United squad for the first time when he joins them for the start of their pre-season tour to America next week.

The Dutchman has taken the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the World Cup and it had been suggested that he may take a break before moving on to his next challenge.

However, United have confirmed that they expect the 62-year-old to be on board their July 18 flight to the United States, where he will manage his first game against Los Angeles Galaxy five days later.

A United statement read: "Fresh from his exploits at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, new manager Louis van Gaal will be part of the full tour with his first match in charge of United taking place against LA Galaxy in the Chevrolet Cup at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, July 23.

"Many of United's World Cup players will also be in attendance for the duration of the tour including Wayne Rooney, David de Gea, Shinji Kagawa and Juan Mata.

"As well as the return of familiar faces, new signings Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw will also be part of the travelling squad to make their Manchester United debuts."

Robin van Persie will be the notable absentee from the tour, during which the Red Devils will also face Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, and is not likely to link up with his teammates until August.