LOUIS van Gaal arrives for his new job at Manchester United today on a wave of expectation following the World Cup finals in Brazil where his reputation was greatly enhanced.
The achievement of the 62-year-old coach in taking the Netherlands to third place at the tournament highlighted the meticulous nature of his preparations and a single-minded self-belief.
The close rapport with his players will also excite the legions of Man United followers worldwide who are hoping their club will bounce back after a dismal season under David Moyes. "He had everyone believing in the tactical changes and the fact it would work for us," said Wesley Sneijder on the team's return home this week. "Our success in the tournament was a lot about the coach."
There were few detractors by the end of the World Cup as the Dutch battled their way to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Argentina on penalties.
Van Gaal was also not scared to throw young players like Memphis Depay and Jordy Clasie into key World Cup games, highlighting his belief in youth.
In Brazil, Van Gaal made few references to his new job - he signed a three-year contract with United in May - but looked enthusiastic when he eventually spoke about his next assignment after Saturday's 3-0 win over Brazil. "It is an exciting challenge," he told Dutch television.
It is a return to club football for since Bayern Munich sacked him in 2011. Van Gaal has shown little of his hand yet with the pre-season signings of Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao and Luke Shaw from Southampton.