Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal (left) laughs as he and player Bastian Schweinsteiger speak to the media as the team introduces three new signings: Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian, at a news conference in Washington.
AFP/Bellevue, Washington
Louis van Gaal on Wednesday warned his raft of new signings they would have to fight for their Manchester United places as the Premier League giants prepared to kick-off their pre-season tour of the United States.
United arrived in Seattle in buoyant mood after bolstering their squad with a slew of high-calibre new arrivals led by Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and France international Morgan Schneiderlin.
With highly rated Dutch international Memphis Depay and Italy defender Matteo Darmian also joining in the close season, van Gaal is confident he can build a team to re-establish United as title challengers.
But the veteran Dutchman warned that all of the new signings would need to prove they deserved a place in United’s starting line-up.
“I have to say to the players, you have to fight for your position,” van Gaal said.
“Never is it secure in top sport—even my position is not secure.
“But also the players, the players have to fight. Morgan Schneiderlin has to fight with Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick, Daley Blind—these are the players who can play in the centre of midfield.
“Matteo Darmian has to fight with (Antonio) Valencia, he knows that but Valencia knows that also.”
Darmian, who joined from Torino, would help to shore up United’s defence while also providing an attacking threat, van Gaal said.
“He has a very good orientation and with that he can cooperate with our central defenders,” van Gaal said.
“He is fast. He is also a reasonable header so that is also a plus. He can build up and he can see a free man and he is in an attacking way a good player.”
Van Gaal meanwhile praised United chief executive Ed Woodward for helping get the bulk of the club’s transfer business done before the pre-season.
Woodward faced stinging criticism for his performance in the transfer market in 2013 after missing out on a number of high-profile targets including Spaniards Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas.
But van Gaal praised the United executive on Wednesday.
“To get these players, it is not so easy,” he said.
“I am very proud, especially Ed Woodward, has done that.
“It is not so easy when Manchester United is coming—they (clubs) are always asking more money than you think you should spend. They are here at the right time.”
United begin their International Champions Cup campaign against Club America of Mexico today at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field. Let’s see how the new signings do out on the field.
Confusion abounds as ‘departing’ goalkeeper Valdes hits back at coach Van Gaal
Confusion surrounds the future of goalkeeper Victor Valdes at Manchester United after the Spaniard yesterday hit back at claims by manager Louis van Gaal that he is on his way out of the club.
Dutchman Van Gaal said the former Barcelona keeper, who joined United in January, would be sold because he had refused to play for the second team last season.
“Last year, he refused to play in the second team and there are other aspects you need as a keeper at United,” Van Gaal told reporters.
“When you are not willing to follow those principles, there is only one way and that is out.
“It is a big disappointment. It is a pity because we have given him the opportunity to rehabilitate, gave him a contract and then he is fit to play.”
Valdes was nas not included in the squad for the current pre-season tour in the United States.
But the 33-year-old then posted on Twitter the message “.? #Respect” together with photos of three matches he played in for the club’s under-21 team last season.
With the future of first-choice David De Gea also in doubt amid rumours of a return to Spain, Valdes could have been in line to be United’s number one goalkeeper next season.
And on Tuesday, Valdes posted a message on Twitter that appeared to suggest he was ready to play this season.
“After a Hard Training Session this morning, I am working hard for this Season ! Come on You Reds !!!!,” his message read. Now to see how this drama unfolds over the next few days.