Louis van Gaal has leapt to the defence of Manchester United’s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward over the handling of club transfers.
After a busy summer of wheeling and dealing, Woodward secured the signings of Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger – the World Cup winning German who could make his first start at the weekend.
Pedro Rodriguez seemed destined to be United’s latest recruit before he was influenced by Spanish compatriot Cesc Fabregas to choose Chelsea over the Red Devils.
Van Gaal quashed any claims that the Dutchman was disappointed with Woodward over the handling of the Pedro transfer.
“I don’t think [the critics] have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many, many years he is the right person on the right spot,” said the Dutchman ahead of United’s Saturday match against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
“Every day I am updated by him and I trust him.
“I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never.”
After three consecutive wins, the 20-times league champions have made a positive start to the new campaign and will be eager to maintain their perfect start in the lunchtime kickoff.
Steve McClaren returns to Old Trafford with the Magpies and will be well aware of a United side growing in confidence after a midweek European win.
United have the opportunity to return to the Premier League summit after opening their campaign with two wins, scoring a solitary goal in each but importantly not conceding.
Van Gaal also defended his captain Wayne Rooney against media, as the striker is without a goal this season though the criticism has baffled the 64-year-old.
“The same media has written for a whole year that I have to put Rooney in the striker’s position,” said Van Gaal.
“Now he’s played three matches in the striker’s position and hasn’t scored, they say he’s not good enough anymore.
“That is the way the media is writing – I cannot change that. We have to live with that aspect of life.”
Image courtesy of MUTV via YouTube, with thanks.
