Van Gaal: Valdes set for United exit
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Louis van Gaal says Victor Valdes will be sold because he refused to play for Manchester United's reserves last season.
Van Gaal handed Valdes a lifeline in January when he gave him an 18-month deal following a serious knee injury. The 33-year-old had been tipped to replace David de Gea if he left for Real Madrid, but Van Gaal has revealed the three-time UEFA Champions League will now be sold. Van Gaal and Valdes share a long history, but the Dutchman has been ruthless with the goalkeeper because he claims he refused to play in United's second string sometime last season.
When asked why Valdes had been left out of the squad for United's pre-season tour of the United States, Van Gaal said: "He is not selected because he does not follow our philosophy. When that is the case, there is not a place for a player.
"Last season, 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."
United's goalkeeping options
Valdes played under Van Gaal during the Dutchman's two spells at Barcelona. The United boss handed him his Barcelona debut in 2002 and the Spaniard cited the presence of Van Gaal as one of the main reasons why he decided to join United in January. But Valdes only played twice for the Red Devils last season - against Arsenal and Hull, when De Gea was injured.
And it seems he will not play for United again. "It is a big disappointment, we thought that he would follow our philosophy," Van Gaal said.
"It is a pity because we have given him the opportunity to rehabilitate, gave him a contract and then he is fit to play. If you do not play in the first team, our philosophy is to play in the second team and he did not do that."
Valdes did play three games for United's second string, but it seems he told Van Gaal towards the end of the campaign that he would not be doing so again. United have started planning for life without the former Barcelona stopper, who has been linked with Valencia and Antalyaspor.
They are interested in signing Argentinian free agent Sergio Romero. On this tour, Sam Johnstone and Anders Lindegaard will provide back up for De Gea, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real.
The Spanish giants would like to sign the goalkeeper this summer, but they have so far refused to meet United's asking price for the player and senior sources at the club feel the 24-year-old may start the season at Old Trafford. Van Gaal became irritated when asked about how De Gea had responded to being named in the 26-man party for the four-game tour of the US.
"His attitude is fantastic and I have said that already," Van Gaal said. "It is stupid to keep asking about his attitude."