Van Gaal aiming for Barcelona culture at United

Louis van Gaal says he is aiming to create a dynasty at Manchester United similar to the ones at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Van Gaal has spent a large proportion of his transfer budget on young players, with Luke Shaw, Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial arriving for combined fees of close to £100m, plus add ons.

United’s manager claims that he had a great eye for spotting young talent, and that the players he has recruited could become the core of a lengthy dynasty at Old Trafford, the “guards of the club culture”. Stop singing Karma Chameleon.

“I believe I have a very good eye for young talent. I am a trainer-coach who believes in youth,” said Van Gaal.

“When you see my career, you can see a lot of youngsters come through and when I’m not there, you have the guards of the club culture.

“At Barcelona, Xavi captain, Iniesta captain, Valdes captain. For 10 years they were the backbone of the club and the culture. At Bayern Munich, it was the same with Muller, Alaba, Badstuber. Maybe when I am gone, Shaw shall be the guard of the culture. Or Januzaj. Or Martial.”

Van Gaal also accepted that the peak of this Manchester United team would come after his departure. He has confirmed that he will leave at the end of next season.

“It will be difficult [to see the team peak] because I would have to stay and you know what I’ve said, and I always do what I say.”

You did say that you’d win the title next season though, Louis.