Van Gaal faces De Gea grilling

MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal was facing the media today with a number of burning issues under consideration.

United's pre–match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s teatime Barclays Premier League showdown with Liverpool will give the Dutchman the chance to give his version of the David de Gea transfer saga, among other things.

De Gea – who has not played this season – looked set for a deadline–day move until a last–minute hitch scuppered the deal. Reports last night suggested the Spanish goalkeeper was in talks to extend his contract at Old Trafford, which currently runs until the end of the season

There is now also a chance that De Gea will come into Van Gaal's thinking for the Liverpool game.

The manager will also be asked about new recruit Anthony Martial, whom he was quoted yesterday as saying cost "a ridiculous amount of money" – while some reports have said the manager has been told by senior players his training methods are stifling their creativity.

United and Liverpool go into tomorrow’s game on the back of defeats before the international break. United lost 2-1 at Swansea, while Liverpool were humbled 3-0 at home by West Ham.