Manchester United: Louis Van Gaal criticises US tour schedule

By Simon Stone in Los Angeles BBC Sport

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has criticised the club's pre-season tour schedule in America.

United play Los Angeles Galaxy in Pasadena on Wednesday, before games in Denver, Washington and Detroit.
Dutchman Van Gaal, 62, blamed "commercial activities" for the amount of travel.
"You have to travel distances, you have to fly a lot, you also have jetlag - that is not very positive for a good preparation," he said.

Manchester United's US Tour
Wednesday July 23: LA Galaxy, Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Saturday July 26: Roma, Sports Authority Field, Denver - International Champions Cup
Wednesday July 30: Inter Milan, Fedex Field, Washington - International Champions Cup
Saturday August 2: Real Madrid, Michigan Stadium, Detroit - International Champions Cup

His statement contradicted the words of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward 24 hours earlier, when he insisted the tour - which will see United travel almost 13,500 miles if they reach the final of the International Champions Cup - did not disrupt preparation.
Van Gaal, who met his players for the first time last week after leading the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup, said he was already making his presence felt at the club.
"The tour was already arranged so I have to adapt - and Manchester United shall do everything to adapt to my rules for good preparation," he said.

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