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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Louis van Gaal 'to axe seven Manchester United players'

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly preparing to release seven Manchester United players in the next 48 hours.
The 62-year-old, whose reign at the Red Devils officially got underway yesterday, is said to have drawn up a list of names he intends to axe in the coming days.
Van Gaal is determined to hit the ground running after a disastrous campaign for United last season under the leadership of David Moyes, and is therefore keen to replace a lot of those who failed to make an impact last time out, according to the Daily Star.
The report claims that Anderson, Javier Hernandez, Wilfried Zaha, Nani, Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling and Bebe could all be heading for the Old Trafford exit door this summer.
There are also said to be huge doubts over the futures of Darren Fletcher, Ashley Young and Rafael.
United will take on Los Angeles Galaxy a week today in their first pre-season match.

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Premier League club details

Manchester United

Founded 1878

President Joel Glazer

Stadium Old Trafford
76098 seats

ColoursHome: Red shirt, white shorts, black socks Away: All black
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Aston Villa

Founded 1874

President Randy Lerner

Stadium Villa Park
42788 seats

ColoursHome: Claret and blue shirts, white shorts, blue socks; Away: White shirts, light blue shorts, white socks

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Chelsea

Founded1905

PresidentBruce Buck

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ColoursHome: Blue shirts, blue shorts, white socks. Away: All black.

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