Enthusiasm abounds in Rafael as he enters the tenure of Van Gaal

Manchester United's pre-season tour has begun, with the team departing for the United States to prepare for the upcoming season. The Red Devils will face some of the world's top clubs in the International Champions Cup, including Los Angeles Galaxy, Roma, Inter, and Real Madrid.

Louis van Gaal Officially Takes Charge

The tour marks the start of Louis van Gaal's tenure as Manchester United's manager, following his official announcement earlier this month. Van Gaal, who was unveiled to the media on Thursday, appears to prefer intelligent players who can change games and shift between formations.

Rafael da Silva Keen to Learn

Rafael da Silva, a member of the 23-man squad that departed for the US, is looking forward to gaining a greater understanding of van Gaal's tactics and formations. The Brazilian defender expressed excitement about working with the new manager, and is eager to learn from his methods.

Pre-Season Matches Confirmed

Manchester United will face Los Angeles Galaxy on July 16, followed by matches against Roma on June 26, Inter on June 29, and Real Madrid on August 2. The team will return to Manchester to face Valencia in a friendly on August 12, before their first Premier League match of the season against Swansea City at Old Trafford on August 16.

Some Familiar Faces

Van Gaal's staff includes some members who have been with Manchester United for a while, giving them an idea of his methods and allowing for a smoother transition into the new season. The club is aiming to return to the top four in the Premier League, and with van Gaal at the helm, they are confident of achieving that goal.

As the team embarks on their pre-season tour, fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season and the opportunity to see the new-look Manchester United in action. The International Champions Cup promises to be an exciting tournament, with some of the world's best clubs competing for the trophy. With van Gaal's experience and the team's determination, Manchester United are certainly ones to watch.