Van Gaal has also backed the club’s ongoing push to bring in talented Southampton teenager Luke Shaw, who is said to be close to joining Man United in a deal that could cost as much as £27m.
The 18 year old has had an outstanding season at St Mary’s and is part of Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad and is very much seen as the right man to replace another outgoing defender, French veteran Patrice Evra.
Shaw has matured into a hugely consistent performer in his second season in the Saints set-up, starting 35 of the club’s 38 Premier League fixtures this season.