Former Manchester United coach Mike Phelan feels Louis van Gaal will make the right impact at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal's appointment was confirmed by United yesterday.
Phelan told BBC Five Live: "I've met [Van Gaal] a couple of times and he's got a very strong personality about him.
"But at a club like Manchester United, that's what is required. You have to hit the ground running and I'm sure he will do.
"There's been a lot of talk about Van Gaal and his methods but he does the job a manager has to do and he's a very good coach."
Phelan said he expected Van Gaal not to be overawed by the prospect of taking over such a big club and would set to work immediately to improve the squad after a disappointing campaign under David Moyes.
Phelan added: "He's not stepped into the shoes of Sir Alex and all the history that comes with Sir Alex, and he's now going to have to get the players to perform better than they have done in the past season."
