Manchester United will face FC Barcelona in a pre-season friendly soon, and Louis Van Gaal is looking forward to squaring off against his old friends.
Read: Real, Barca Co's Pre-season Guide
The Dutchman said he is excited to see some old faces at the Catalan club, where he coached from 1997 to 2000, and again for a season in 2002.
"It will be nice to see friends from my time there again, but there are a lot of new players," he told MUTV.
"I have to say that Barcelona still play with some players that I coached, so that is nice to see.
"But a lot of the staff have also remained there.
Van Gaal mentioned players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Victor Valdes, who he handed debuts to, saying he is proud to have seen them do so well in their careers.
"Of course, you are always pleased that players who made their debut under you play so many times and for so long for a club.
"Xavi and Iniesta in particular are fine examples, but Victor Valdes as well."
United and Barcelona will play on July 25, with the Red Devils taking on Club America and San Jose Earthquakes before that.
Read: Drogba Names Three Defenders He Hated Facing
United will also play Paris Saint-Germain on 30 July, as they look forward to a season of being back in the UEFA Champions League.
Do you think that Louis Van Gaal can take credit for how far some of Barcelona's stars have come? Let us know in the comments section below.
