Wayne Rooney hails 'great appointment' of Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager and admits his 'excitement' at working under his and Ryan Giggs' guidance

Rooney is away on international duty with England ahead of the World Cup but feels it is an 'exciting time' to be at the club

Wayne Rooney and Adnan Januzaj have been tipped to shine at the World Cup by Ryan Giggs (Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney believes the appointment of Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager and Ryan Giggs as his assistant will usher in an exciting new era at Old Trafford.

Few could have imagined the woeful season that would follow Barclays Premier League glory in the last of Sir Alex Ferguson's 26 years in charge.

Ferguson's replacement David Moyes did not even last a season at the helm and, after a miserable seventh-placed finish, Van Gaal has been tasked with changing United's fortunes.

The Dutch manager will take charge after leading his country at the World Cup and Rooney is looking forward to working under him and assistant manager Giggs.

"I think it is a great appointment," Rooney said. "I think everybody knew for the last few weeks that Louis van Gaal was going to take over and the record he has got around European football is fantastic.

"He has won a lot of major trophies and it is great that it is sorted out now.

"It is obviously great that Ryan has stayed with him as his number two. It is exciting and it is going to be an exciting time at the club."

PA