Manchester United: Van Gaal Warns Stars That He Will Willingly Bench Them

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal sent out a warning to his side's stars that he will willingly bench them in favour of younger players, should they be complacent and underperform.

The Dutchman's move of signing big-named and readymade players to address the Red Devils' poor performance during their first few competitive matches this season while selling the club's youth products - Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, was received with much ire, as it is perceived to run counter to United's philosophy developing young players.

"It would not be a problem for me to promote a player from the youth team, even over a big-money singing, if he deserved it," said the 63-year-old manager.

"Money alone doesn't say anything. Quality says everything."

Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, and Luke Shaw was reported to have cost the Old Trafford outfit £150million, but Van Gaal elaborated that he has shown faith in the up-and-coming even during his past employments.

"You have seen it. In my previous clubs I have always given young players a chance," he added.

"At Barcelona I gave debuts to Xavi, to Iniesta, to Puyol, to Valdés."

"At Bayern I can mention Badstuber, Müller and Alaba."

"I always want to promote youth but the young player has to take their chance."

"You don't get endless opportunities, because when you are too long at a club without making a breakthrough there is a danger you can get used to being a substitute. "

"Talented young players can provide a lot of stimulation to a group, but I think you have to refresh the squad every year to keep the hunger. I have done that at all my clubs."

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