Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists David De Gea is staying

But the United boss remains bullish over the club’s ability to bring top global players to Old Trafford, as well as their ability to retain players they regard as central to their future plans.

United pulled out of the deal to sign Barca’s 27-year-old World Cup victor Pedro and he immediately signed for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

The Spaniard managed to create 50 chances in 33 appearances for the Red Devils and scored some really vital goals helping United overcome a stern challenge from Liverpool to claim the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot.

However, Van Gaal has confidence in the 43-year-old, stating, “I have the idea that the press want to separate Ed Woodward from me – never!”

“We have had a better start than past year and also two clean sheets”, Van Gaal said.

Newcastle have won at Old Trafford just once in the Premier League era, when Yohan Cabaye headed in to seal a narrow 1-0 victory in the 2013-14 season.

Van Gaal could hand Bastian Schweinsteiger his first league start, with the former Bayern Munich midfielder having made two appearances off the bench thus far. “It was the easiest transfer“, he added.

“I know when I don’t play well and against Aston Villa I was below my standards”, the 29-year-old United captain said. I was not expected John or any other player I replace to be jumping or dancing in the dressing room, but he behaved professionally.

The same can not be said of Newcastle, who are for sure without several key rotation players and quite possibly will have to do without a pair of starters, including the heartbeat of their attack in Moussa Sissoko.

When asked whether there would be any more signings before the transfer window shuts, Van Gaal said: “You have to wait to see. I know that.” Rooney, who turns 30 in October, has not started a season as United’s main striker since 2011, but he rejected the suggestion that it may take time for him to re-adjust. You never know. I think he can still do better because when you are not fit enough then it is hard to show your highest level.

“In that process we make decisions and I think when we wanted Pedro, it was not any problem”. He is also the captain of the team so he shall play a lot of times in the striker’s position.