Valdes ‘thankful’ to LVG despite being frozen out at United

Ian Watson

Victor Valdes holds no grudge against Louis van Gaal, despite being made to train away from the Manchester United first team this season.

The former Spain goalkeeper left United to join Standard Liege on loan for the rest of the season in January having been frozen out by Van Gaal last summer after it was claimed he refused to play in a reserves game at the end of last season.

But Valdes passed up the opportunity to criticise Van Gaal, instead choosing to express his gratitude to the Dutchman for offering him the chance to complete his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury at Old Trafford.

He said: “I don’t have any problem with Louis van Gaal. He discovered me when I was 20 years old. He was the only coach who, in that moment, said ‘I want you in the first team’.

“And after my knee ligament injury, he was the first to approach me about playing for Manchester United.

“I am thankful to him and will never forget that. He gave me my first game after my injury.

“It’s very simple. I had two options, stay in Manchester but not play or go to Standard or to enjoy my football, the fans and, above all, to get back to feeling like a footballer and to be able to train every day.

“I went for the second option. I’m very happy.”