Van Gaal hands Valdes United training chance
MANCHESTER United boss Louis van Gaal could hand stricken goalkeeper Victor Valdes a permanent deal in January after allowing the ex-Barcelona stopper the chance to continue his recovery from a torn cruciate ligament at Old Trafford.
Valdes was given his La Liga debut by Van Gaal as a 20-year-old in 2002 and went on to win six Primera Division and three Champions League titles with the Catalan giants before departing the Nou Camp on a free transfer in the summer.
With fellow Spaniard David de Gea United’s undisputed No1 ahead of Denmark’s Anders Lindegaard, Van Gaal could see Valdes as a longterm option to provide stiffer competition in the club’s goalkeeping ranks should he prove his fitness.
“Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has offered the 32- year-old former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes a chance to complete his rehabilitation from a knee injury and work his back to fitness with the club,” read a club statement. “Valdes, a free agent, will have his recovery supervised by the United medical staff before training with the first team, as he bids to regain full fitness.”
Valdes, who has 20 Spain caps, has been sidelined since March and was initially courted by French Ligue 1 side Monaco before a failed medical put paid to a move, while a deal to join Premier League side Liverpool also petered out.