Manchester United's Louis van Gaal: 'A new striker is not the surprise signing'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has backtracked on suggestions that the club are on the verge of signing a new striker.

Earlier this week, the Dutchman hinted that the club were in the process of clinching the signature of a 'surprise' forward.

However, while addressing the media after United sealed a 3-1 victory over pre-season opponents San Jose Earthquakes, Van Gaal admitted that the club might not sign a striker at all in this transfer window.

"I don't know if I want to buy a striker," Van Gaal told reporters. "I have read in the media that a striker is a surprise, but no - I mean something else."

The former Netherlands coach was also quizzed on reports that Angel di Maria is on the verge of signing for Paris Saint-Germain, but Van Gaal said: "When we think that we have to say something then I shall say it. He shall [rejoin the team] on July 25."

United have signed Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin so far this summer.