Louis van Gaal has insisted there is no rift between himself and Ed Woodward, with the executive vice-chairman having been questioned following Thursday's transfer of Pedro to Chelsea.

United had been interested in the Barcelona forward, who had a €30m release clause in his contract, before dropping any intent to buy him earlier this week. While Van Gaal was reluctant to be drawn on the subject of Pedro joining Chelsea, the manager did defend Woodward.

“I have the idea that you want to separate Ed Woodward with me,” said Van Gaal. “No, never. Every day I am updated by him and I trust him. I don’t think they [THE FANS]have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many years he is the right person on the right spot.”

Van Gaal denied ever saying he wanted to buy Pedro, only that the 28-year-old fitted the “profile” for his squad. “I cannot answer these questions [ON PEDRO], you know that. I have said it before, that what we are doing is a process. In that process we make decisions and I think when we wanted Pedro, it was not any problem. That is because there was a clause in his contract, so it was the easiest transfer.

“You can write what you want but we cannot say what we want, that is the difference. I have the responsibility of protecting the interests of my club and my players. If you ask me if Pedro is fitting the profile [OF UNITED], I cannot lie, I say yes but I didn’t say I am interested in the player, that is the difference. He is fast and he is creative. That is why I understand the question [about whether he fits the profile].”

Van Gaal also hinted Bastian Schweinsteiger could make his first start for the club when Newcastle United visit on Saturday.

(Guardian service)