Louis van Gaal 'trusts' Ed Woodward with Man Utd targets

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says he trusts executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward with club transfers.

But United missed out on transfer target Pedro, with Barcelona's Spain winger, 28, opting to join Premier League rivals Chelsea.

"Every day I am updated by him and I trust him," said Van Gaal.

"I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never."

Van Gaal was speaking at a news conference ahead of United's home game with Newcastle on Saturday.

He added: "I don't think [the critics] have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many, many years he is the right person on the right spot."

And the 64-year-old is confident when United want a player, Woodward will bring him to Old Trafford.

"When Manchester United want a player, he shall come," he said.

"You can see my selection and you can see for every position we have a double. We don't have to [buy] but if we can do it to improve we will."

However Van Gaal said he did not want to "interfere" regarding the club's interest in Southampton's 23-year-old midfielder Sadio Mane.

He added: "I cannot answer that question either because I cannot interfere. I don't want to interfere. It's for Ed Woodward doing the things and he does it very well, I think."

Schweinsteiger start?

The Dutchman did suggest Schweinsteiger, 31, may be in line for his first Premier League start.

The Germany international replaced Michael Carrick at half-time during United's 3-1 win against Club Brugge on Tuesday.

"Maybe it shall happen tomorrow," Van Gaal told MUTV.

"We have seen a solution in rotating our [second] captain, Michael Carrick, with Schweinsteiger.

"I think it's a very good solution because we can spare them both for the big moments."

One man who will not feature is goalkeeper David De Gea, 24, who is linked with a move to Real Madrid.

"We shall evaluate [whether he can play] after 1 September," said Van Gaal.