Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has revealed that former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes will train with the club. Reports confirmed on Thursday that the 32-year old will train at the club which gave birth to rumours that Van Gaal could sign the free agent as a backup option to David De Gea. However, the Dutchman did not reveal directly that Valdes will be signed by United.
Van Gaal said, “For me it’s not a surprise because I have done it already with a lot of players.
“I have a relationship with a lot of players. I gave Ronald de Boer or Edgar Davids rehabilitation possibility or training possibility when they needed that, so he is one of these players.
“Robin van Persie, when he played for me in the Dutch squad last year, I allowed him to come to our medical department to get him fit for the World Cup. It’s the same.
“I wasn’t the manager of United at the time. So I have always done that, and not only with big players but ones you’ve never heard of.”
Valdes became a free agent in the summer after his contract with Barcelona came to an end. He was subsequently linked with a move to Liverpool, but as of now, there is no progress as he refused to undergo the proposed 4-day trial with the reds. French side Monaco were interested in signing the shot stopper but opted out after he ruptured his Cruciate Ligament in March this year.
Manchester United have Anders Lindegaard as De Gea’s back up at the moment. When asked about a potential move for Valdes, Van Gaal replied, “Manchester United always have their eyes open.”
Bayern Munich are also being linked with Valdes as German newspaper Die Welt revealed that Pep Guardiola wants to sign the goalkeeper.