Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal feels that this summer’s Copa America will affect his team’s preparations for the new season.
The South American extravaganza is set to start on 11th June in Chile and the final will be played on 4th July, but just a fortnight later on 17th June Manchester United will play their first pre-season game against Club America on their US Tour.
Manchester United have a considerable presence in the Copa America, with Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo in the Argentina squad and Antonio Valencia in the Ecuador team.
Van Gaal admits that if some of his players take part in the latter stages of the competition, Manchester United’s preparations for the new season will be affected because they will come back late from their holidays.
However, the Dutchman is keen that his South American players create a strong impression with their respective national teams in this summer’s Copa America.
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"Yes, of course [some may miss the start of the season]”, Van Gaal said in a press conference.
“They need, as the other players do, holidays. When they are playing in the final – and that is possible with, for example, Argentina – then they are again late in our preparation.
“That’s not so good for Manchester United, but I hope they shall play in the final because that’s great for them."
Uruguay are the defending champions of the Copa America.
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