Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has welcomed Pep Guardiola's appointment at Manchester City.

Guardiola has earned a reputation as one of the best coaches in the world following successful spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, where he has collected a total of 19 trophies.

"He is my former captain so I am very pleased to see him," United manager Van Gaal said.

"And I can speak Spanish so it is convenient for him."