Victor Valdes insists he is thankful to Louis van Gaal for signing him after injury: 'I will never forget that'

Valdes was forced to train on his own during the first half of the season at Man United before Standard Liege rescued him in January

John Peters

Thankful: Valdes refused to criticise his former manager

Victor Valdes refused to criticise Louis van Gaal despite failing to make a single Manchester United matchday squad this season.

United manager Van Gaal left Valdes out of the squad for the pre-season tour of America in July, citing an alleged refusal to play for the club's under-21 side as the reason behind the 34-year-old's omission.

Valdes was then forced to train on his own for months at the Red Devils' Carrington training complex before Belgian side Standard Liege signed him on loan last month.


The former Barcelona goalkeeper, who was given his Blaugrana debut by Van Gaal in August 2002, was unveiled by his new club on Wednesday and he maintained he will always be thankful to the Dutchman for the contribution he's made to his career.


"I don't have any problem with Louis van Gaal," Valdes said.

"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.

 

Short stay: Valdes joined United 12 months ago but made just two appearances

"It's very simple. I had two options: stay in Manchester but not play or go to Standard... 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."
Valdes has made two appearances for his new club, making his debut in a 2-0 league win over Leuven.

His second appearance ended in a 1-1 draw against Genk, a result which sent Standard through to the Belgian Cup final.

Will Victor Valdes ever play for United again?

 Have your say in the comment section below.