• Premier League

Van Gaal: Ferdinand left at right time

Louis van Gaal says he has no regrets over letting Rio Ferdinand leave Manchester United despite the problems he has suffered at centre-back this season.

Ferdinand, 35, ended a 12-year stay with United when his contract expired in the summer and he returns to his former club for the first time on Sunday with Queens Park Rangers.

Rio Ferdinand returns to Old Trafford with Queens Park Rangers on Sunday © Getty Images

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United have been short of centre-backs for their opening three Premier League games with Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all suffering injuries while new signing Marcos Rojo was ineligible before receiving his work permit, but Van Gaal said he doesn't wish Ferdinand was still at the club.

"No," Van Gaal said in a news conference. "There is a time to stay and a time to go and I think he has decided to go. He was a great player and maybe he is still a great player but there is always a time to go with a club."

With the club budgeting for a third-placed finish this season, United have only taken two points from a possible nine so far.

But while Van Gaal believes it will take time for his players to adapt to his methods, he said he has no problems with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's expectations.

He added: "We have spoken about the target when we have the meetings together and I think a club as Man United has to put targets. I also put targets so I don't think it is an unreasonable target.

"It shall be difficult, that is another question but I think a club as Manchester United has to put a target. Within the [top] three is logical because Manchester United wants to be in the Champions League."

Van Gaal could give debuts to four of his summer signings in Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw and Rojo against QPR on Sunday but was keen to stress that his new-look team may not gel immediately.

He added: "I know as a coach when you let 14 players go and buy six players then you have 20 different relationships in the dressing room. The hierarchy in the dressing room is gone and now we have to build up a new hierarchy. That needs time."

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