van Gaal to wield the axe?

Victor Valdes is set for a move away from Manchester United – who want to move their veteran Spaniard on after just two appearances for the club.

It goes without saying that it would be preferable to selling their other Spanish goalkeeper, going by the name of David de Gea. His injury against Arsenal in the Red Devils’ penultimate game of 2014/15 was what gave Valdes two senior appearances in United colours, as he had to fill in as a substitute and then from the start against Hull on the final day.

Valdes played very well when called upon, making a couple of outstanding reflex saves against Hull, but has severely disappointed boss Louis van Gaal with his attitude.

Speaking about the goalkeeper’s absence from the #MUTour squad, who are currently in Seattle, the very strict Dutchman said:

“He is not selected because he doesn’t follow our philosophy and there is no place for someone like that.”

This is in reference to Valdes’ apparent refusal to feature in an Under-21 game last season – despite playing in many others. van Gaal expanded:

“Philosophy is how you play football and how you maintain your match rhythm. For example, last year, he refused to play in the second team.”

Philosophy is a word that has featured heavily since the appointment of the former Netherlands, Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager, who has a very specific set of ideals, both mental and physical, which he expects his players to stick to.

Having won trophies all over Europe, it seems to work for van Gaal, who obviously knows what he’s doing – and will axe anyone who does not conform.

“When you are not willing to follow the principles of the philosophy, there is only one way and that is out -for us it is a big disappointment because we thought that he will follow our philosophy. It’s a pity because we have given him the opportunity to rehabilitate and gave him a contract.”

There have been murmurings that Valdes is to be offered to Valencia, who are needing a replacement for the injured Diego Alves – this would suit United as Valencia are the current employers of defensive transfer target Nicolas Otamendi, so a deal for him including Valdes could cut his price favourably for Ed Woodward and co.

His current deal with United has another 12 months left on it – so selling the ex-Barca man would surely be a statement to Real Madrid that David de Gea is going nowhere.