Van Gaal Policy Attracting More Signings

Louis van Gaal says his policy of trusting youth in the Manchester United first team will result in more youngsters joining the club in the near future.

The manager spoke openly about his policy of blooding so many Academy players after being informed of the traditions of the club when first discussing taking over as manager.

"I had two maiden speeches with them, two conversations, first with Ed [Woodward] and later with the owners," said van Gaal. "They have said what the culture is of Manchester United and why they want me. One of the reasons was that. I used a lot of players also on the tour in America and on the tour last year. You need also the luck that youngsters are performing at that level.

"It's not always the case and, when you see how many players I give the chance to show themselves, at the end only two are three players are finishing as a player of Manchester United. But, when you have me as the manager, you have a lot of chances. Also, a lot of players, because of that, are coming next season to Manchester United because they see that [I give them a chance]."

When asked what the key is for young players developing into first-team stars, the boss replied: "They have to be open for their manager, their staff and, of course, open also for all the players who can guide them. I think we have a very good staff so it's very wise that they are open and doing the things we are asking. But it always starts with the player himself. It's not the manager.

"I've said it today to a player again - it's not me, I'm doing always what I think I have to do but you put yourself in my attention and then I shall give you always a chance. Then, you have to grab it. It's like that. It starts with the player but the player has to be open for a lot of things - not only the tactical situation or technical situation but how he stands in human life, how he can put his career in that human life because that's also important."

Reserves and Academy players turn out against the senior side in an 11 v 11 practice match when van Gaal mirrors the upcoming games before every fixture in training.

"Ryan Giggs is the trainer-coach of the simulated opponent," he confirmed. "So we simulate the play of West Brom, for example. When youngsters are coming, they learn a lot because of that and they have to perform like West Brom, not like Marcus Rashford or who they are. Do you understand? And then I can see if they want to do it or not."