Valdes Impresses Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal admits Manchester United's training arrangement with Victor Valdes benefited both parties while the goalkeeper recovered from a serious injury.

The Reds manager says he used the period from October to December to assess whether Valdes was suited to joining his squad in January and the answer was a resounding 'yes.'

"When you invite Victor Valdes to have his rehabilitation here at Manchester United, you do that for him, but also for yourself," said van Gaal at his weekly press conference. "I had the chance to see him and his behaviour in rehabilitation but also if his quality was still the same. He has confirmed both and that is very important for me and also for him because when I am satisfied, then mostly the players are satisfied."

The manager added on MUTV: "He has impressed me not only because of his quality, but also because of his behaviour, his rehabilitation – he had a very heavy (serious) injury. His professional attitude for me is a reason to sign him."

When asked if the second-choice goalkeeper will provide healthy competition for David De Gea, van Gaal responded: "Yes, I think so because he has won a lot of titles. He played at the highest level. But De Gea has been unbelievably good this season so it will be very hard for him to beat De Gea."