Peter Schmeichel: 'Louis van Gaal doesn't know his best XI at Manchester United'

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has claimed that manager Louis van Gaal has no idea what his best team is.

The Dutchman has spent more than £200m on bringing Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin to the club.

That figure is expected to rise with the reported impending acquisition of Pedro from Barcelona for £23m.

Schmeichel believes that United need to get back to tradition and try to bring players through the academy.

"If you asked Van Gaal now, and asked him to be completely honest, if he knew his best 11, he would say no," Schmeichel told The Mirror. "I don't think anyone knows [United's] best XI. He is trying but, for instance, Radamel Falcao - why was he at Manchester United [on loan last season]?

"Name me a player that's come through the academy and that is actually playing at United now and is in the England squad? None. Exactly. This is Manchester United we are talking about."

United will take on Aston Villa at Villa Park this evening.