Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists David De Gea will not leave during the current transfer window.
The Spaniard will once again watch his team-mates from the stands when the Reds face Newcastle at home on Saturday, with Van Gaal concerned he is still unable to focus properly because of Real Madrid’s ongoing interest in him.
But the United boss remains bullish over the club’s ability to bring top international players to Old Trafford, as well as their ability to retain players they regard as central to their future plans.
“I think when Manchester United wants a player he shall come, besides when a club is not selling,” he said.
“It is the same with us. We are not selling De Gea.”
Van Gaal also remains adamant they will only add to their playing squad if incoming players can add quality.
“We have 28 players and I have said already we have a better balance in terms of selection but we want to improve,” he added.
“But we want to improve in our way and not the way that people are saying. When we buy it has to make a contribution to our selection and not at any price.
“We have a double for every position but when we can improve we shall do.”
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Gary Neville says his former club Manchester United currently have the best defensive set-up in the Premier League
One of Van Gaal’s senior players, Wayne Rooney, has struggled at the start of the season.
The England international has failed to score in United’s opening games against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Club Brugge, leading to the player himself admitting he was below the standard he expected of himself in the 1-0 win at Villa on August 14.
Rooney will have the opportunity to get off the mark against Newcastle and his manager has praised his honest assessment of his early season form.
“It always starts with the player himself and when you are saying publicly that you are so bad then you know that you are very bad but I think it is fantastic that a player admits that,” said Van Gaal.
“It is unbelievable because he is one of the few players that is saying such things and also because after a few weeks this can result in pressure from the media.
“He took a risk I think (by saying that) but he is very confident that he can make the goals we expect from him and I have that confidence also.
“He knows my standards already, he knows my philosophy. He knows what I want from a striker.
“He knows how he has to perform and he thinks he can perform and I also think that otherwise I wouldn’t put him in the striker position.
“Last year I tried him in all the positions because he is multi-functional and can play in various positions but I think his best position is striker and he agrees.” – Skysports.
