Louis van Gaal jumps to Ed Woodward’s defence…

Louis van Gaal has defended Ed Woodward over Manchester United's recent failures in the transfer market ahead of Saturday's clash against Newcastle.

United were strongly linked with both Pedro and Nicolas Otamendi in recent weeks, but the two targets ended up joining the club's Premier League rivals, Chelsea and Manchester City. Despite criticism of Woodward from supporters, Van Gaal has backed the executive vice-chairman, claiming the two maintain a good relationship. "I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never," the Dutchman told reporters in his Friday press conference. "Because every day I am updated by him and I trust him." United have less than two weeks to recruit the defender and striker they desperately need.