Victor Valdes refuses to criticise Louis van Gaal, instead thanks Dutchman despite rift rumours

The Spaniard did not make a single appearance for the Red Devils this season before completing a loan switch to Liege

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes (Getty Images)

Manchester United castoff Victor Valdes has refused to criticise manager Louis van Gaal and has instead thanked the Dutchman for signing him in the first place.

The Spaniard did not make a single appearance for the Red Devils this season before completing a loan switch to Standard Liege last month. It followed reports of a fall-out between the pair during United’s pre-season tour of the United States with Valdes reportedly refusing to play for the club’s under-21 side.

The 34-year-old was later forced to train on his own at the Carrington training ground but Valdes insists he will always ben thankful to Van Gaal for having faith in him.

"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.

"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."