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Louis van Gaal will become Manchester United boss after being assured Sir Alex Ferguson will not play a major role in the club’s future, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.

Holland coach Van Gaal is expected to be named this week as successor to sacked David Moyes – but raised his concerns over Ferguson’s influence.

That issue and the fate of Ryan Giggs and other fellow influential Class of 92 stars Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes is thought to have been holding up his appointment.

But the Dutchman, 62, is believed to have had his fears calmed by the Old Trafford giants' executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

Van Gaal was worried that Fergie’s powerful standing may impact on his plans to take United forward after the failure of Moyes, who was recommended by the Scot.

But with Moyes gone, Woodward and the Glazer family, who own United, are keen to usher in a new era.