Premier League – Casillas hits out at ‘ungrateful’ Manchester United over Valdes treatment

Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas has hit out at Manchester United over their treatment of Victor Valdes.

The Spaniard moved to Old Trafford in October 2014 initially to train with the club as he recovered from a serious knee injury.

Valdes then signed an 18-month contract with the Red Devils but has subsequently been frozen out after manager Louis van Gaal claimed he refused to play in a reserve game.

“I want to send all my support and a lot of encouragement to Victor,” he told El Mundo Deportivo. “This is proof that at times football is ungrateful.

“He deserves to find a solution soon because of the type of player he is.”

Valdes was linked with Besiktas at the end of transfer window but remains at Old Trafford despite having being excluded from their Champions League squad and Casillas is hoping his situation improves.

“Had they told us a year-and-a-half ago that he would be in this situation, no one would have believed it,” he added.

“Obviously, no one wishes him that. I know he will come out of this situation because he has a privileged mind and I really hope he comes out of this.

“I’m certain he will succeed because we all get back to enjoying ourselves [after leaving a club].”

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Premier League – Pedro: Valdes gave me Van Gaal warning prior to Man Utd snub

Pedro has revealed his Spain team-mate Victor Valdes warned him of his “problem” of playing under Louis van Gaal at Manchester United before he joined Chelsea.

The winger was linked with a move to Old Trafford for much of the summer before Chelsea took advantage of their rivals’ indecision by completing a late deal.

And while United goalkeeper Valdes spoke highly of the club and its supporters, Pedro admits he did not recommend life under Van Gaal.

“He told me it was a very good club with great supporters and the only problem was with the coach,” Pedro told Marca.

Valdes has been left out of United’s Champions League squad following the collapse of David de Gea’s move to Real Madrid and Pedro believes his former Barcelona team-mate is being treated unfairly.

“It is true that I do not like the treatment of my [Spain] team-mates, especially Victor, who has been a reference for me and is a model professional,” he added.

“I don’t think it’s fair, but that did not influence my decision [to join Chelsea].

“I just saw Man Utd wasn’t convinced to take the step of signing me, they were delaying a lot and I needed a team with which to start the new season. Chelsea acted more decisively.”

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Champions League – Valdes responds to Man Utd Champions League snub

Victor Valdes insists that he will continue to give his all at Manchester United, despite being snubbed yet again by Louis van Gaal.

The Spaniard, who joined the club on a free transfer earlier this year, was not named in United’s squad for the Champions League group stages on Wednesday, and has previously clashed with Van Gaal.

Valdes, who is yet to feature for the club in the 2015-16 campaign, was previously criticised by the Dutchman for refusing to play for the club’s Under-21 team, which led to a stinging response from the former Barcelona shot-stopper.

Despite his latest snub, Valdes has vowed to keep working hard to try and force his way into the reckoning at Old Trafford, and has thanked United’s fans for their support.

“No matter what happens. The only way I know is to work hard every day,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Thank you all for your support!”

Valdes was expected to leave United in the summer, but remained at the club despite links with Besiktas and Valencia.

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Premier League – Respect? Valdes hits back at Van Gaal

Victor Valdes has hit back at Louis van Gaal, claiming the Manchester United manager lacks respect.

Van Gaal criticised Valdes in a press conference in Seattle, explaining his reasons for excluding the former Barcelona No.1 from the tour party.

Yet the Spaniard has fired back at his boss on Twitter, posting a picture of the Under-21 fixtures he played a part in, along with an image of himself and his reserve team-mates.

…..? #respect http://t.co/LSnwz1HfDB—
Victor Valdes (@1victorvaldes) July 16, 2015

The Dutchman said on Wednesday: “Valdes is not selected [for the tour] because he doesn’t follow my philosophy. The philosophy is how you play football and how you maintain your match rhythm,” said Van Gaal.

“He refused last year to play in the second team. There are a lot of other aspects in the philosophy how you have to play like a goalkeeper at Manchester United.

“When you are not willing [to apply] the principles of that philosophy there is only one way, and that is out.

“For us this is a big disappointment. We thought he would follow our philosophy.”

Valdes signed an 18-month contract in January but is in talks with Valencia over a possible loan move.

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Premier League – Valdes not open to Manchester United exit, says agent

Victor Valdes wants to remain at Manchester United as his agent dismissed suggestions the goalkeeper was interested in a move to Turkey.

Antalyaspor president Gultekin Gencer had claimed 33-year-old Valdes was close to a switch to the Turkish Super Lig club.

But Valdes’ agent Gines Carvajal rubbished the link and said he had never spoken to Gencer.

“I’ve been contacted by a series of individuals from Turkey to negotiate a move for Victor,” Carvajal told AS.

“But I haven’t spoken with the president of the Turkish club in question. I don’t know him. I have no plans to talk with them again as my player has no interest in a move to Antalyaspor.”

Valdes has another year left on his contract at United, and could get a chance to push for a starting spot with David de Gea expected to leave for Real Madrid.

And Carvajal reiterated that Valdes wants to remain at Old Trafford, with Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris among those linked to Louis van Gaal’s men.

“His only wishes are to remain at Manchester United and he has another year left on his contract.

“We don’t see any reason for him to leave the club. United are amongst the top two or three best teams in the world.

“Victor is keen to fight for a place next season and wants to help the club as much as he can.”

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