Louis Van Gaal has reaffirmed that he remains a strong admirer of the youth policy and despite the arrival of several big names, the youngsters at the club will not be overlooked.
Speaking to the press, the former Netherlands manager said, “We bought five players and one player is on loan here,” he stated. “Maybe we can buy him next season – that’s Falcao. We let 14 players go so how do I fit these players in? It is not so difficult.
“When you let 14 players go and only six come in their place, we need also the youth education and that is also the policy of Manchester United. When you don’t let players go to other clubs, then you are never allowed to give a youth player a chance and, because of this policy, we gave youth players a chance.
“But the question is if they take the chance. It’s more risky, of course, but I think it’s the only way to do it at Manchester United, who have always had homegrown players in the squad. So that’s the only way to do it.”
Van Gaal has already given youth a chance as academy graduate Tyler Blackett has played in every Premier League game till now. He went on to add that there are positions where the academy graduates can make an impact, “More than eight positions are vacant and they are vacant for the youth. I have already used a lot of youngsters in the pre-season and also in the season. So I am always willing to give young players chances but they have to take those chances.
“I cannot do that for them. They have to do that by themselves. Our policy is like that. The possibility is there and all of the youngsters have to know that. I believe Manchester United have come to me because of that.”
PIC: @Falcao, Louis van Gaal and @BlindDaley at Old Trafford. Welcome to the Theatre of Dreams. #mufc pic.twitter.com/hUDvsX0XLh
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2014
Manchester United unveiled their new summer signings Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind, and both of them might feature against QPR at Old Trafford. Falcao, who rejected Champions League football to play for United, said, “I believe in this project. United is the best club for my style of play. I’m sure of my decision.”