---
title: "Today’s presser: what did van Gaal have to say?"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/07/24/todays-presser-what-did-van-gaal-have-to-say/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Previews"
published: "2015-07-24T22:43:37Z"
modified: "2015-07-24T22:44:03Z"
---

# Today’s presser: what did van Gaal have to say?

**Louis van Gaal and club captain, Wayne Rooney, have been speaking to the press ahead of Manchester United’s International Champions Cup clash against the European Champions: FC Barcelona.**

**Squad Selection**

Louis van Gaal started by talking about three players who are yet to feature at all yet in this tour. He confirmed that Rojo, Di Maria and Chicharito will join the squad tomorrow, however he won’t choose Di Maria for the Barcelona game as he informed the press that “he needs to build up his fitness”. On the other hand though, van Gaal did confirm that he expects David de Gea to be fit to start the game. The Red Devil’s new midfield general, Bastian Schweinsteiger, may also miss the game as he has “a little injury” and “doesn’t take risks in preparation”. He also confirmed that Valencia is back in contention after recovering from a back injury.

**Looking Ahead To Tottenham**

In a change to the current way van Gaal has approached these pre-season tour matches, the boss will not select a different starting XI for each half. He instead confirmed that one group of players will likely play 60 minutes before any major changes are made. The Tottenham fixture may be over two weeks away but van Gaal has already selected a team for the first fixture of the 2015/16 season. Louis van Gaal told the collected journalists that “those who play 60 minutes are more likely to play Tottenham”

**A Word From The Captain**

Wayne Rooney joined the Manchester United boss in the press conference, fresh from the vote of confidence given to him by Louis van Gaal after he confirmed Rooney would be the main striker next season. Rooney told the press that he could live up to the confidence given to him by the Dutchman as he said “it’s a position I think I can score goals from”. He also confirmed that although that the signings made by the club this season are all experienced and high quality players, they still have a lot to learn about what is expected at the Manchester club; “The players we’ve brought in are experienced and successful. I can help them learn about his club and what’s expected.”

Manchester United’s penultimate tour game against FC Barcelona kicks off at 21:00 UK time or 13:00 local time on Saturday, and of course we will cover the match with our usual live blog right here on Read Man Utd website.