Louis van Gaal insists David de Gea will not leave Manchester United before the transfer window shuts.
De Gea will once again be in the stands when United take on Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday because Van Gaal feels the Spaniard is still not able to focus properly because of Real Madrid's interest in him.
According to reports in Spain, the 10-time European champions will make one last attempt to sign the goalkeeper before the window shuts on September 1.
But after a week in which United’s reputation took a blow following Pedro’s move to Chelsea, Van Gaal came out fighting at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
The Dutchman insisted the lure of United remains as strong as their desire to hold on to their two-time player of the year.
Read more: The National's Transfer Talk page
“I think when Manchester United wants a player he shall come, besides when a club is not selling,” the United manager said at a spiky press conference.
“It is the same with us. We are not selling De Gea.”
Van Gaal launched a passionate defence of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward despite the fact that former target Pedro signed for Chelsea this week, rather than United.
“I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never,” Van Gaal said.
“Because every day I am updated by him and I trust him.
“I don’t think they have to doubt Ed Woodward because he has proven already for many, many years he is the right person on the right spot.”
If history is anything to go by, Van Gaal will be able to rely on one of his current crop to find the goals against Newcastle on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney has scored 11 goals in 17 Premier League appearances for United against Saturday's visitors.
The United skipper, who is yet to find the net this year, admitted in midweek that his performance in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa was not good enough.
Van Gaal was encouraged to see honesty from his skipper, and backed him to hit form soon.
“When you are saying so publicly that you are so bad then you know you are very bad at that time,” Van Gaal said.
“I think it’s fantastic that a player admits that. For me it’s unbelievable because he is one of a few players saying such things.
“He is taking a risk, but he is very confident that he shall make the goals we expect from him and I am confident also.”
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Dunki
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vikram Kochhar and Anil Grover
Rating: 4/5
Messi at the Copa America
2007 – lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final
2011 – lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals
2015 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
2016 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
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Price, base: Dhs850,000
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 591bhp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.3L / 100km
Company Profile
Company name: Namara
Started: June 2022
Founder: Mohammed Alnamara
Based: Dubai
Sector: Microfinance
Current number of staff: 16
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Family offices
What to watch out for:
Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways
The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof
The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history
Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure
Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kinetic 7
Started: 2018
Founder: Rick Parish
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Industry: Clean cooking
Funding: $10 million
Investors: Self-funded
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
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Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
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Transmission: CVT
Power: 119bhp
Torque: 145Nm
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On sale: now
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Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
