Man Utd: Louis van Gaal 'disgusted' by transfer rumours

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has described reports that he will spend heavily on new players as "disgusting" and "disrespectful".

United have been linked with a number of high-profile players amid claims that money is no barrier.

"I think it is disgusting always writing about numbers," Van Gaal said. "It's disrespectful to my players."

The Dutchman spent £150m in the summer, including a British record £59.7m to bring Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.

The Red Devils have recently been linked with Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, 24, Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, 25, and Atletico Madrid centre-back Diego Godin, 28.

Fourth-placed United are targeting a spot in next season's Champions League and were expected to strengthen in January as Van Gaal copes with a lengthy injury list.

However, the Dutch manager said: "I have to work with the selection I have."

United have won their last four games after a poor start to the season and can go third if they beat Southampton, who are a point ahead of them, on Monday night.

The Saints have exceeded expectations under Dutch manager Ronald Koeman, who has a chequered history with his compatriot.

The pair worked together at Barcelona but fell out when they were at Ajax in 2004, when Koeman was coach and Van Gaal the technical director.

However, Van Gaal said his opponent is "a very good coach" and that they would shake hands at St Mary's despite describing his former protege as "weak" in his autobiography.

Van Gaal confirmed Wayne Rooney will be fit to face Southampton.

The United skipper had a scan on Thursday to examine a possible knee problem but has been given the all-clear.

However, record signing Di Maria will not be ready to return from injury in time for the trip to the south coast.

Ronald Koeman worked with Louis van Gaal at Ajax and Barcelona

Van Gaal on Koeman

"My relationship with Ronald Koeman doesn't have to be described, that's private.

"We play against Southampton and we should talk about the team rather than the coach. After the game, we can reflect on the relationship I have."

Van Gaal on Southampton

"Southampton play better at this time and have more points at this moment than Liverpool.

"I think they have a good squad, a lot of players that I know and who were offered to us.

"I think they are able to come in the top four but that's also because I believe in the management in Ronald Koeman and his brother Erwin."