Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Key Takeaways from Louis Van Gaal's Presser

Louis van Gaal responded to Jose Mourinho's comments about their relationship in his press conference ahead of Saturday's clash between Chelsea and Manchester United, praising his former assistant and the work he has done.

As shared by the club's official Twitter feed, he explained how he recognised the talent he possessed when the two were together at Barcelona:

He also praised the man, not just the manager, via The Independent's Ian Herbert:

ESPN FC's Kevin Palmer previously shared Mourinho's stance on the Dutch manager:

"

Mourinho: "Van Gaal was important in my career. To work with him for 3 years in a club like Barca was important. He's a friend." #MUFC #CFC

— Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) October 24, 2014"

The Red Devils come into the match with their difficult draw against West Bromwich fresh in their memories, while the Blues are still undefeated and early favourites for the Premier League title.

Van Gaal conceded Chelsea are indeed a top squad, and that the difference between both sides has been in the details:

Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera will both be available for selection, but Michael Carrick will continue his road back to fitness with the U21 team, via Manchester Evening News' Rob Dawson:

Chelsea's Loic Remy suffered an injury during the Blues' UEFA Champions League fixture against Maribor, and top forward Diego Costa is yet to feature since returning from the international break. Van Gaal expects to see the Spaniard on Saturday, however, via Herbert:

Much has been made of the news former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be working to regain his fitness at Old Trafford, with fans and pundits speculating whether it could lead to a permanent deal for the veteran Spaniard.

Van Gaal told reporters he has allowed players to something similar before, refusing to answer questions on whether or not he'd sign Vales, per the club's official website:

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Every human being is special because they all have identities. It's a principle of my philosophy that you have to respect the individual human being. He's special because I've worked with him and we've retained our relationship, which is not always the case.

It is not a surprise because I have done it with lots of players. I have a relationship with a lot of them. I gave Ronald de Boer and Edgar Davids training possibilities in the past - Valdes is one of these players. Robin van Persie also. When he played for me in the Dutch squad, I allowed him to use our medical department to keep fit for the World Cup. I wasn't the manager of United at the time, so I have always done it.

"

When pressed, he conceded the club are always looking for a deal, indicating the former Spain international could be signed if he proves his fitness and form:

Mourinho's career received a jump-start under Van Gaal, and it's no surprise to hear the Portuguese manager talking about his former mentor with such admiration. His Dutch colleague clearly has fond memories of their time together as well, making for a surprisingly amiable atmosphere ahead of United's biggest match of the season so far.

The draw against West Brom has the Red Devils chasing Chelsea by 10 points already, and with Manchester City next on the schedule for Van Gaal's men, United's title bid could realistically be over by the end of next week.

Two solid results could launch the squad, however, and both managers know it. The pre-match atmosphere may be loose and amiable, but don't expect that to translate to the pitch when the first ball is kicked.

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