I won't play mind games with my friend Mourinho, insists Van Gaal

Posted Tuesday, July 29, 2014 by Talksport.co.uk

Louis van Gaal will not get drawn into any mind-games with Jose Mourinho this season and he says he still regards the Chelsea manager as his "friend".

Mourinho controversially claimed earlier this week that United were paying over the odds for Luke Shaw, a £27million signing from Southampton who reportedly now earns in the region of £100,000 a week.

The Portuguese said had Chelsea paid that kind of money to the 19-year-old, it would have "killed" the London club.

United boss Van Gaal hinted he would speak privately to Mourinho about the matter and many saw that as a sign the two former colleagues were set for a rocky relationship this season.

Mourinho, who worked as Van Gaal's assistant at Barcelona for three years, has a record of trying to wind up fellow managers.

But the ex-Netherlands boss is sure he will have a harmonious relationship with the Portuguese this term even though both he and his former protege are in charge of teams vying for the title.

"I don't think I will fall out with him. He [Jose Mourinho] is my friend," said the Dutchman

"I don't think [I will fall out with] all the other managers. I have full respect for all my colleagues.

"For me [mind games] are not so interesting. I have to manage my club. That is already difficult enough. I am not concerned with other clubs or other managers."