Manchester United boss van Gaal insists there's no rift with Ed Woodward

United boss Van Gaal denies claims of a rift between himself and Ed Woodward

Van Gaal has no quarrel with Ed Woodward even though it was suggested that the Dutchman and the executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward have not been on good terms, after losing Pedro Rodriguez to Chelsea this week, reports The Guardian. United were in pole position to sign the Catalan winger until they took a sudden U-turn this week.

It is said that Van Gaal was not willing to match Barcelona’s £21.1 million release clause for the Spaniard even though Ed Woodward had given the go-ahead on the deal.

In the press conference ahead of the Manchester United and Newcastle match the Dutchman was seen defending Woodward while doing his best not to talk about the one that got away.

“I have the idea that you want to separate Ed Woodward with me,” said Van Gaal. “No, never. Every day I am updated by him and I trust him. I don’t think they [the fans] have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many years he is the right person on the right spot.”

Van Gaal: Pedro is a good fit, but I didn’t say I am interested

The 64-year old manager denied ever saying that he wanted to buy Pedro, and insists that all he meant was a player like him would be a good fit in his team.

“I cannot answer these questions [on Pedro], you know that. I have said it before, that what we are doing is a process. In that process we make decisions and I think when we wanted Pedro, it was not any problem. That is because there was a clause in his contract, so it was the easiest transfer.

“You can write what you want but we cannot say what we want, that is the difference. I have the responsibility of protecting the interests of my club and my players. If you ask me if Pedro is fitting the profile [of United], I cannot lie, I say yes but I didn’t say I am interested in the player, that is the difference. He is fast and he is creative. That is why I understand the question [about whether he fits the profile].”

Pedro’s move to Chelsea ended up becoming a boon in disguise to his childhood club as it saved them from bankruptcy.

Pre-match press conference where Van Gaal talks about Woodward and Pedro

United will face Newcastle over the weekend and will be looking for another victory to keep themselves in the top of the league table, and it has also been suggested that Bastian Schweinsteiger might make his very first start for the club in the game.