Van Gaal Explains Transfer Process

Ahead of the summer transfer window, Louis van Gaal has provided a rare insight into how new players are signed by Manchester United.

The Reds acquired Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao (on loan) in last summer's market, before snapping up former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a free transfer in January.

This year's activity kicked off with a deal for PSV winger Memphis Depay, pending the completion of a medical. Speaking to the Sunday newspapers, van Gaal explained how the recruitment process works.

“I look for the players who fit our profile. Then I say to Ed [Woodward, executive vice-chairman], 'I want that player first and that player second [choice]'. Then we go to the third when they [first and second] are not available. I am not buying, I don't spend the money. He is negotiating, I am not."

When asked if the size of a transfer fee affects his judgement on which players to buy, the boss replied: “It's dependable on a lot of questions. In my opinion, the first question is does the player fit the profile of the position that we want? That is the most important thing.

"Then the club shall negotiate, and then it [the fee] is out of my hands because I am not negotiating. Ed Woodward is doing that, I'm not the man who decides that.

“Of course, when you buy players for £80million, the pressure is unbelievably high and it's not easy for the player either. But the most important thing is can he perform in the way we want him to?"

Van Gaal revealed he will leave for his summer holiday the day after United’s final match of the season against Hull City next Sunday, but he dismissed suggestions he might be weary after his first season as a manager in England.

“Yes, I go immediately, on Monday 25th," he confirmed. "I haven't found it tiring - we haven't had so many matches because we didn't participate in the Champions League or Europa League. In all my former clubs I had always participation in the Europa League or Champions League so it was more intensive before.

“But because of the new situation, I have had to adapt as a manager. Not only the new players, but also the manager has to adapt to the culture of England and to the rhythm of this game. That's exciting but also very difficult because I have to adapt my philosophy. No-one is asking for that, but it's true.”