Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is excited by the prospect of testing himself against one of the game's greats when Louis van Gaal takes charge of Manchester Unitednext season.
The Dutchman was announced as David Moyes's permanent successor on Monday and brings a wealth of trophy-winning experience with him.
Rodgers is an admirer of Van Gaal's work but registered his disappointment that Moyes was not allowed more time to turn things around at Old Trafford.
"First of all, it was really sad that David Moyes didn't get the opportunity," the Liverpool boss toldtalkSPORT.
"Obviously, with David gone, they were looking to appoint someone with experience and certainly Van Gaal is someone I have studied and looked at for many years.
"He has had great success and he has a way and a vision of how he wants the game to be played. He works with young players. Certainly his profile fits a club of Manchester United's history.
"As a young manager, I'm really looking forward to working against another great coach in the world game."
Ryan Giggs ended his glorious playing career to take up a position as Van Gaal's assistant and Rodgers paid tribute to the United legend, calling him "an absolute role model on and off the field".
"He has been a phenomenal player," the Northern Irishman enthused. "He's the same age as me, Ryan, and to be playing at that level and to have that mentality to turn up for pre-season knowing you are going to have to work hard, to play the games he has played in ... he's an incredible human being, as well as football player.
"He is the most decorated player. I have huge admiration for him as a footballer. Now he is preparing himself to become a coach and manager and he will be hoping he can go on and have a similar impact."Liverpool boss Rodgers excited to face off with Van Gaal The veteran Dutchman was announced as David Moyes' successor on Monday and his Reds counterpart sees him as an excellent fit for the Old Trafford outfit By George Ankers
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is excited by the prospect of testing himself against one of the game's greats when Louis van Gaal takes charge of Manchester Unitednext season.
The Dutchman was announced as David Moyes's permanent successor on Monday and brings a wealth of trophy-winning experience with him.
Rodgers is an admirer of Van Gaal's work but registered his disappointment that Moyes was not allowed more time to turn things around at Old Trafford.
"First of all, it was really sad that David Moyes didn't get the opportunity," the Liverpool boss toldtalkSPORT.
"Obviously, with David gone, they were looking to appoint someone with experience and certainly Van Gaal is someone I have studied and looked at for many years.
"He has had great success and he has a way and a vision of how he wants the game to be played. He works with young players. Certainly his profile fits a club of Manchester United's history.
"As a young manager, I'm really looking forward to working against another great coach in the world game."
Ryan Giggs ended his glorious playing career to take up a position as Van Gaal's assistant and Rodgers paid tribute to the United legend, calling him "an absolute role model on and off the field".
"He has been a phenomenal player," the Northern Irishman enthused. "He's the same age as me, Ryan, and to be playing at that level and to have that mentality to turn up for pre-season knowing you are going to have to work hard, to play the games he has played in ... he's an incredible human being, as well as football player.
"He is the most decorated player. I have huge admiration for him as a footballer. Now he is preparing himself to become a coach and manager and he will be hoping he can go on and have a similar impact."