Louis Van Gaal not afraid to wield the axe with United squad

Speaking in Seattle ahead of Manchester United’s friendly against Club America on Friday, Louis Van Gaal was in defiant mood.

Explaining why goalkeeper Victor Valdes wasn’t included on the trip to America the Dutchman said: “When you are not willing to follow the principles of the philosophy, there is only one way, and that is out.”

Van Gaal is no longer the new boy. His squad analysis and looking to see who might fit in with his “philosophy” is something he’s been carrying out for 12 months.