West Bromwich Albion fullback Sebastien Pocognoli is looking forward to tonight's clash with Manchester United.
The Belgian played for United boss Louis van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar.
He told the WBA website: "I was very young when I went to AZ Alkmaar, I was 19 years old, and I worked for two years under him.
"He helped my formation as a footballer, pass-control-pass, tactically, because defensively I was not so strong. And also my personality because he likes players with personality.
"He's not only a good trainer but he's also a good human being.
"I learn a lot from every trainer I work under, as I am now under Mr Irvine.
"For me, he (Van Gaal) was very important because I was young. I don't know if I worked with him now whether I would be the same, but when I was 19/20 years of age, all that he said I tried to do."
