Just a few hours ago, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal gave his preview press conference for the home match versus Southampton on Sunday. The full video is linked here, and it’s rather short- just five and forty-seven seconds. Before the transfer window opened, Van Gaal expressed his desire to buy a left back, a pressing need given the injuries to Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo.
Today, he reiterated his intentions to purchase a defender, as he revealed that Winger Ashley Young (who had been filling in at the back line) will be out for a long spell. (Here’s the full injury report)
“I think when you see how unlucky we have been in the full-back position,” the embattled United Manager said.
“I have started with Valencia, Shaw, Rojo, Darmian and Young, sometimes, and they are all injured – only Darmian is now back.
“So, I need full-backs and you have seen how I have used youngsters like Borthwick-Jackson and Varela who are doing great but the level of Manchester United is high.”
On a related note, LVG insisted that he’s not leaving, in response to speculation he could be replaced by Pep Guardiola.
Here’s the link to a list of full backs Van Gaal could sign, via the Manchester Evening News.
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