The Spanish newspaper claim that van Gaal believes the 24-year-old’s form may be affected by continued speculation surrounding his future.
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This summer has seen significant activity in the transfer market for Manchester United, with business done in an encouragingly swift and low-key fashion. Under Ferguson, United always spent money but had less need to heavily stock their lineup with established stars such as Chelsea or later, Manchester City, and The Red Devils’ two Champions League-winning squads were built largely on homegrown players.
Rio spoke to us at the launch of BT Sport’s Premier League coverage in London, with the names he threw up as the best players he played alongside certain to set a few tongues wagging. “I hope he stays, but the decision is his”. Then again, that’s the player that Di Maria was planned to be upon arrival at United last summer. Yet most of those league titles were won thanks to the outstanding defensive axis of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar, only one of whom – Van der Sar – has been adequately replaced by De Gea, who may yet be on his way from Old Trafford in the weeks to come. Darmian, Memphis and Schneiderlin all started, with the Frenchman even scoring what proved to be the only goal of the game after just five minutes.
“It’s completely down to the player and his attitude”.
Should they lose their No.1, another goalkeeping addition beyond Sergio Romero will doubtless be sought, but Van Gaal has at least identified and addressed weaknesses elsewhere.
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But the chances of Bale joining United still remain slim.
