Louis van Gaal has complete confidence in Ed Woodward despite failed signing attempts
Louis van Gaal insists he has full confidence in Ed Woodward's abilities despite criticism of the Manchester United executive vice-chairman. Woodward came in for criticism after Pedro moved to Chelsea, rather than United. But the United boss maintains he has a good relationship with Woodward and has faith in his […]

Louis van Gaal insists he has full confidence in Ed Woodward's abilities despite criticism of the Manchester United executive vice-chairman.

Woodward came in for criticism after Pedro moved to Chelsea, rather than United.

But the United boss maintains he has a good relationship with Woodward and has faith in his ability to bring the best players to Old Trafford.

“I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never,” the United boss said in a spiky press conference.

“Because every day I am updated by him and I trust him.”

Van Gaal added: “I don't think they (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.”

United were aware for some time that Pedro wanted to leave Barcelona after becoming frustrated by a lack of first-team football.

It was reported that Woodward flew into Barcelona on Monday in an attempt to finalize a deal for the 28-year-old, who had a buy-out clause of 30 million euros (£21.5million) written into his contract.

But three days later, the World Cup winner signed for Chelsea.

At a press conference last week, Van Gaal said Pedro fitted the profile of the kind of quick and creative player he wanted.

But when asked about the forward this week, the Dutchman refused to divulge the reason why he had not signed the Canary Islander.

“I cannot answer these questions,” Van Gaal said before launching a tirade at the media.

“When you ask me, 'Is Pedro fitting the profile?', I cannot lie, I said 'Yes'. But I do not say that I'm interested in the player. That is the difference. But you say I'm interested. No, I answered the question. It's different.

“What is written in the newspapers is not true, you cannot know it. Only the players know it and the clubs know it.”

Van Gaal seemed to corroborate other sources' claims that he was the one who pulled the plug on the club's pursuit of the player.

“I think when we want Pedro it was not any problem because there was a clause in his contract,” Van Gaal said.

“It was the easiest transfer. I have said before what we are doing is guiding a process and in that process we make decisions.”

Despite bristling at constant questioning regarding Pedro, Van Gaal suggested he is not too disheartened at failing to sign the forward.

SEE MORE: Read Manchester United’s 2015/16 season preview.

When asked whether there would be any more signings before the transfer window shuts, Van Gaal said: “You have to wait to see.

“It's not any pressure for me. We have 28 players. We did it last season without Pedro.”

Press Association Sport understands Van Gaal has now turned his attention to Southampton winger Sadio Mane.

Van Gaal said he would not speak publicly on Mane as he did not want to “interfere” with the club's pursuit of the Senegalese.

He added: “I cannot answer that question neither 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.”

Van Gaal will be looking to register his fourth successive win of the campaign so far when United host Newcastle on Saturday lunch time.

The Dutchman confirmed only Phil Jones is out through injury, and hinted Bastian Schweinsteiger may start his first match after impressing in the 3-1 win over 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 David de Gea, who is still not sufficiently focused enough to play due to Real Madrid's interest in him.

“We shall evaluate (whether he can play) after September 1,” Van Gaal said of the goalkeeper.