Louis van Gaal is avoiding making any promises to instantly revive Manchester United's fortunes.

The Dutchman, who guided the Netherlands to a third-place finish at the World Cup, was formally introduced as United's new manager on Thursday.

Van Gaal is the full-time successor to David Moyes, who was dismissed after less than a year as Alex Ferguson's replacement.

Under Moyes, United went from reigning Premier League champions to seventh-place finishers and missed out on the Champions League.

Speaking to reporters for the first time at Old Trafford, Van Gaal says he needs time before making predictions about the club's prospects for next season.

The Dutchman says "I have to see how the players perform my philosophy and how quick they can pick up this philosophy."

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