Alex Ferguson praised new Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal yesterday as a “formidable” manager who he believes will restore the club’s fortunes.

In an updated version of his autobiography, Ferguson described the 63-year-old Dutchman as “a good choice” to lead the Reds.

“Louis is what I would call a managers’ coach. He’s one of these committed ultra-professionals. Football is his life,” he wrote.

Ferguson claimed that his successor David Moyes had misunderstood “how big United is as a club” and the fast-paced style that had brought the team success.

“The reason for playing at speed was that United players had been accustomed to operating that way. If the tempo slowed I would be into them at half-time.”