Louis van Gaal: New Manchester United manager orders club to rip up training ground pitches before his arrival

Van Gaal has also asked for new floodlight system, costing the club £4million

Louis van Gaal has surprised United officials with his demands (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal has shocked his new employers at Manchester United by ordering the club to rip up the pitches at their Carrington training ground base.

The recently appointed United boss has told the club’s hierarchy that a new Desso Grass-Master system should replace the existing pitches which the ground staff believe to be already pristine.

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The Dutchman, who will take over as boss after his World Cup duties the Netherlands are seen through, has demanded that these changes be complete by the time he arrives in Manchester.

The new high-tech surface is already being used for the Old Trafford pitch and the 62-year-old believes the players will benefit more by having the same in place for training purposes as well.

In a series of changes asked for by the new manager, Van Gaal also wants a system of floodlights to be built at the Carrington complex in order for the team to train throughout the winter, something that will set the club back as much as £4million.

Whatever the requests, Van Gaal is certainly making his presence known to all within Manchester United.