Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he's 'disgusted' by reports of him spending big in the January transfer window Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he's 'disgusted' by reports of him spending big in the January transfer window

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has blasted rumours the club has agreed to splash out another £100m plus on strengthening his squad.

United have spent £211m since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson 19 months ago but stories in several Friday newspapers claim the Dutchman will be handed another huge budget in his attempt to bring trophies back to Old Trafford.

I think it's disgusting always writing about numbers. I don't think (executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward said anything about it and nor have I. Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal believes the stories will have an adverse affect on United's transfer business and said: "I think it's disgusting always writing about numbers. I don't think (executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward said anything about it and nor have I.

"It is disrespectful to my players and I don't like to talk about it. I have to work with the selection I have and I have respect for that. I believe in players, so that is my answer.

"I don't think money is the question in this. When Manchester United comes, the club are always asking for more money because we are Manchester United. Maybe you recognise that when I'm saying it.

"Do you think Southampton are paying too much for their players? I don't think so - because it's Southampton. There is always a relationship between Real Madrid and United and teams like Aston Villa and Southampton.

"Do you know how many players we lost? Never have you said that. Never have I read that in the media. We have lost more players."

With the clash with bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford just around the corner on December 14, Van Gaal was quick to stress that the sole focus remains on Monday's trip to face high-flying Southampton at St Mary's, live on Sky.

He said: "Southampton plays better and has more points than Liverpool at this moment so the sequence is good that we have to play Southampton now. What can I say more? I'm always occupied with the first match."

Watch Southampton v Manchester United, Monday 7pm, Sky Sports 1