Cambridge vs. Manchester United: Key Takeaways from Louis Van Gaal Presser

Louis van Gaal delivered a spiky pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup tie with Cambridge United, saying it is "unbelievable" how the media have pre-empted Victor Valdes' debut at the Abbey Stadium.

The Dutch manager also played down suggestions Darren Fletcher will be sold in the January transfer window and highlighted the return of two key stars for Friday's fourth-round tie against the League Two outfit.

Many corners of the press previously speculated that Valdes, who was brought in this month to back up David De Gea, will be handed his debut during the upcoming match, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News. Such a decision would make sense—De Gea has completed all 24 of United's games this season—but Van Gaal was unimpressed with this assertion.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

"I find it unbelievable how the media can write that," said the manager, per MUTV (via Mark Froggatt of United's official website). "I don't want to say anything about my line-up until just before the game."

He did, however, confirm the return of Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw for the trip to East Anglia, per MUTV (via Froggatt). "We have to wait until training but Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are out for sure. Robin van Persie is available, Luke Shaw is also available."

Recent speculation has linked Fletcher with a move to West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Valencia, as reported by Ken Dyer of the London Evening Standard. Van Gaal underlined Fletcher's importance to the squad during his presser, per Pete O'Rourke of Sky Sports:

Fletcher has played a bit-part role this season, registering 365 minutes' worth of football across 12 appearances in all competitions. It is unlikely he will receive a consistent run of starts after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis—a condition which has limited his playing time over three years—but he remains a leader off the pitch.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Van Gaal needs United's experienced members to stick around after losing the likes of Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic during the summer. Fletcher has won it all with the club and is an excellent role model for the younger players to take inspiration from. He remains useful when on the pitch, highlighting his courage and willingness to succeed.

Without wanting to speculate on Van Gaal's selection, it wouldn't be surprising to see Fletcher feature against Cambridge. The boss expects a difficult tie, per United's official Twitter account:

While FA Cup success would be fantastic in Van Gaal's first season, United's players need to focus on securing a Champions League spot. With this in mind, the side cannot risk further injuries in a campaign which will so far be remembered for an extortionate amount of fitness problems.

United are expected to comfortably progress beyond Cambridge, whether Valdes starts or not.

Stats via WhoScored unless otherwise noted.