• Premier League

'Genius Van Gaal can improve United 25 percent'

Robin van Persie could be made Manchester United's new captain under Louis van Gaal © AP

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Paul Scholes says Louis van Gaal "has a bit of genius about him" and believes the incoming manager can improve Manchester United's performances by "20 to 25 percent".

Van Gaal, whose Netherlands side take on Argentina in Wednesday's second World Cup semi-final, will fly out for the start of United's pre-season tour of America on July 18.

"Right now, Manchester United fans (and myself) cannot wait for Louis van Gaal to get the job started at Old Trafford," former United midfielder Scholes wrote in his Paddy Power blog.

Louis Van Gaal will fly out for the start of Manchester United's pre-season tour on July 18 © Getty Images

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"It's not a vintage Holland team he's managing, and Van Gaal has got them to the brink of a World Cup final.

"He's going to have to perform a similar operation at United after a shocking season in 2013-2014.

"Van Gaal seems to have the Midas touch, and with his coaching reputation and vast experience he can bring a lot to the club. He'll improve last year's performance by 20-25 percent, I feel."

Scholes said the arrival of new signings Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, plus the fact the Van Gaal would "bring more out of the players who are already there" had him excited about the forthcoming Premier League season.

Van Gaal made headlines when he replaced goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul deep into injury time with Netherlands' quarter-final against Costa Rica locked at 0-0.

Krul rewarded him by producing two saves in the penalty shootout to send the Dutch into the last four, and Scholes said: "Krul had only saved two out of last 20 penalties with Newcastle. The evidence did not seem to be there for that big a decision.

"But whatever Louis van Gaal does seems to work. He substituted his captain, Robin van Persie, when Holland were 1-0 down to Mexico, and they came back to win.

"He seems to have a bit of genius about him, and hopefully can work this magic on United next year."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd