Van Gaal in Favour of Manchester United Playing Midweek Friendlies Abroad

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has given his backing to the idea of the club flying abroad for midweek friendly matches to make up for the lack of European football. 

United finished only seventh in the Premier League last season and missed out on Champions League and Europa League football as a result. 

However, they have proved during recent pre-season trips to the United States and Asia that there is an appetite from fans abroad to see them play non-competitive games. 

When asked what he thought about the friendly plan, which was put forward by managing director Richard Arnold earlier this week, Van Gaal said: "I fully agree. I spoke with Ed [Woodward] and Richard last week. I like to play midweek games against high-level opponents."

Van Gaal did not elaborate who the high level of opposition would be, given that clubs who are already in European competition would unlikely to be available. 

The Dutch coach also explained why he was in favour of this idea, despite being highly critical of United's pre-season tour of the United States. 

"I have said in the first three months we must wait because it's difficult enough for the players to adapt to the new playing style and organisation. They shall honour this," he said.

[H/T ESPN]