• Premier League

Van Gaal refuses to rule out Welbeck sale

ESPN staff
August 22, 2014
Van Persie hints at United return

Louis van Gaal refused to deny reports that Danny Welbeck has been told he can leave Manchester United and admitted he has had a discussion with the England international about his future.

The United manager hinted he has informed some of his squad they are surplus to requirements but argued anyone who claims Welbeck is among them does not know for certain - and wants the details of their discussions to remain silent.

Herrera added to United injury list

  • Manchester United summer signing Ander Herrera will miss the club's match against Sunderland on Sunday having picked up an injury in training.
  • Read the full story here

Welbeck was a regular in Van Gaal's pre-season side but missed the beginning of the campaign with an injury and has been linked with Hull and Sunderland, while Arsenal and Tottenham are both thought to hold interest.

Van Gaal said: "I know what I have said to Danny and Danny knows exactly what I have said to Danny. The media is guessing.

"I don't speak about that because that is private and I assume that Danny Welbeck is not saying anything about our conversation. In that conversation was also Ryan Giggs and he doesn't say either and I think that is the way it should be."

Welbeck, who came through the United youth system, has scored 29 goals in 139 games for the club.

Van Gaal has already allowed one of the United squad to move on, with Nani being loaned to Sporting Lisbon as part of the deal that brought Marcos Rojo to Old Trafford. The Dutchman indicated he has made his mind up about some of the players he inherited.

He said: "We respect every player, you cannot say it is the error of the players that they are playing here in Manchester United. You have to give respect to the players. I have tried to do that. I have said everybody gets a fair chance.

"The first two weeks, then I have spoken to a lot of players. Now we are in the second two weeks and I have spoken to a lot of players. We are doing that in the right sequence. It is fair, it is right and with a lot of respect to the players themselves."

Marouane Fellaini, who is wanted on loan by Napoli, and Anderson are expected to be allowed to leave while doubt also surrounds the futures of Shinji Kagawa and Wilfried Zaha.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close