Louis van Gaal slams goalkeeper Victor Valdes; suggests his time at United is up

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has given a strong indication of goalkeeper Victor Valdes nearing the end of his United career, after he slammed the former Barcelona star in his press conference in Seattle on 15 July. The Dutch tactician was asked about the exclusion of Valdes from the club's pre-season tour to the US, and he responded by saying the 33 year-old had failed to follow his philosophy, after refusing to play with the reserves last season.

"There is only one way and that is out"

Answering queries on Valdes, Van Gaal was quite blunt in his response. The former Netherlands national team head coach explained that Valdes was kept out of the tour as he did not fit his line of thinking. He said the Spanish custodian had refused to play with the reserves last season, and that he felt let down by the player, terming his behaviour as 'a big disappointment'. "When you are not willing to follow the principles of the philosophy, there is only one way and that is out," he added.

Valdes' United sojourn

It was in October, 2014, when Van Gaal offered Valdes the chance to train with United, and help in his recuperation from a long-term injury. Valdes then went on to sign an 18-month contract for United in January, six months after leaving Barcelona. With David de Gea the first choice at United, Valdes played second fiddle to his much younger compatriot during the season. It was in the final two games of the campaign that he finally got his first team chance, following an injury to De Gea. However, on the back of Van Gaal's quotes in Seattle, Valdes' stay at United looks more or less over.

Van Gaal on De Gea

The manager was also asked about the future of David De Gea, who is currently being courted by Real Madrid. He answered back by saying that it was for the player to decide whether he wanted to stay or not. "It is dependent on David De Gea. Shall he stay? He is training here and doing his utmost best," he said.