Louis van Gaal hits back at Guardiola claims that Manchester can't afford Bayern players

Louis van Gaal wants to promote youth despite big signings

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hit back at Pep Guardiola’s claims that the English club “didn’t have enough money” to buy Bayern Munich players.

Guardiola had said that the Old Trafford based outfit wanted his players but their money isn’t enough and players who want to stay will stay.Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger were linked in a move away at least once in the summer.

On Guardiola’s claim

“It is not so interesting what he said,” Van Gaal said. “I think every player who I have contacted wants to play for Manchester United.”

“It is unbelievable that in spite of we are not playing Champions League, the players are coming and willing to come,” Van Gaal said, having spent more than £150 million in bringing in Ángel di María, Radamel Falcao – initially on loan, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera.

“That is surprising but that is because of the greatness of this club and they believe in the project we have started now.”

On promoting youth

The club has been criticised in certain quarters for taking the Real Madrid-esque Galactico approach to transfers and seemingly putting youth development on the back-burner.

Asked if he'd hesitate to pick a youngster over a big signing, van Gaal replied: "Money doesn’t say anything. Quality says everything."

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 20, 2014

When asked if he would promote a youth player over a first team player, the Dutchman reiterated his policy.

“That is no problem for me because money doesn’t say anything,” he said. “Quality says everything. You have seen it. Youth players when they are talented give a lot of stimulation to a group.

"I think you have to refresh the squad every year and I have done it with all my clubs. When you are too long at a club, maybe you are too used to being a substitute. You always need the hunger to play in the first team.”

Wayne Rooney can transfer culture to teammates

The 63-year-old stressed on the importance of protecting the club’s identity. Describing the youth as the “guardians of the club’s style”, he said the captain can transfer the culture to his teammates.

“Wayne Rooney can transfer this culture to his fellow players,” the Dutchman said. “That is very important and I have done that with Barcelona and at Bayern. I want to do that but the youth player has to take their chance.”