Louis Van Gaal: 'I Forced Van Persie Out', Claims Valdes Will Follow

 

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be sold after manager Louis van Gaal claimed he "refused to play" in the reserves. The 33-year-old Spain international was a surprise omission from the pre-season squad currently touring the US.

 

"He doesn't follow my philosophy. There is no place for someone like that," said Van Gaal of his January signing. United's number one David De Gea, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.

 

Van Gaal also told a news conference in Seattle how he told striker Robin van Persie he had no future at Old Trafford after a round of golf at the end of last season.

And he was unconvincing when asked about the futures of club record signing Angel Di Maria and De Gea.

 

The Old Trafford club will not consider selling De Gea, whose contract expires in 2016, unless they receive a record fee for a goalkeeper. Asked about De Gea's situation, Van Gaal added: "I cannot say anything. His attitude is fantastic. It is stupid to ask."

 

However, he did admit that a move for another experienced goalkeeper was "dependent on David De Gea". Valdes, who won La Liga six times with Barcelona, joined United as De Gea's back-up after recovering from major knee surgery.

 

After new signings Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian faced questions from the media, Van Gaal responded to questions about Valdes' absence.

 

He said: "Last year, he refused to play in the second team and there are other aspects you need as a keeper at United. "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, whose contract expires in 2016, made three appearances for the under-21 side last season – against Liverpool in January, Chelsea in February and Spurs in March.

 

His only first-team start was in United's final game of last season, and Van Gaal added: "I played him at Hull because I wanted to help. I am always a very social human being."

 

Van Persie has left United for Turkey's Fenerbahce after three seasons at Old Trafford. Explaining the decision to let the 31-year-old Netherlands international leave, Van Gaal said: "He knew already what was coming from the day we played golf.

 

"After we played golf, we talked about the perspective for him at Manchester United. I think he did a very good choice."

 

Van Gaal was also asked whether midfielder Di Maria would be staying at Old Trafford after speculation  the record £59.7m signing is unsettled in Manchester and will join French champions Paris St-Germain. "No idea," said the Dutchman. "We shall see. Now he is still a member of Manchester United."