Van Gaal: I trust Woodward

Van Gaal also staunchly insisted that United had decided against signing Pedro – rather than having been caught out prevaricating over the deal only to be gazumped by Chelsea, who quickly secured the Spanish global from Barcelona by triggering his €30million (£21.4million) release clause.

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling says Louis van Gaal has finally discovered a winning formula ahead of Newcastle’s visit to Old Trafford today.

“It is very long season and we need to keep the same level and improve defensively and be more consistent”.

The arrival of the France Under-21 global on a five-year contract takes the Tyneside club’s spending since last season to £47.7m ($74m), and the 22-year-old former Lille midfielder said: “I’m delighted to be about to start my Newcastle career against such a big team with such a great reputation”.

The Dutchman insists the lure of Manchester United remains as strong as their desire to hold on to their two-time player of the year.

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! I have said before what we are doing is guiding a process and in that process we make decisions”.

The World Cup victor, who joined from Bayern Munich in July, has come off the bench in each of United’s first three games but had missed the preseason encounter with Barcelona because of a calf problem.

But United boss Van Gaal dismissed suggestions he is unhappy with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward who travelled to Spain expecting to complete the move on Monday.

“When we buy it has to be a contribution to our selection and it has to be not against any price”.

Van Gaal said: “He makes steps, I have to admit.

I don’t want to let known my strategy of players”.

Press Association Sport understands Van Gaal has now turned his attention to Southampton winger Sadio Mane. He knows what I want from a striker.

The Netherlands worldwide was the star of the show on his Champions League debut for United, scoring twice and providing the assist for the Marouane Fellaini’s third goal and he will be hoping to carry that form into the Premier League.

“His ability to take the ball out of defensive could be better. It’s not bad. Rojo needs match fitness, yes”.

When asked whether there would be any more signings before the transfer window shuts, Van Gaal said: “You have to wait to see”.

“No one is worth €100m, it’s just a trade figure, so I am quite relaxed about the whole thing”, Muller added.