Manchester United have completed the signing of Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero. The goalkeeper joins on a free transfer, and is set to provide back-up for David De Gea as a result of Victor Valdes’ impending exit.

Romero, who has signed a three-year deal at United, has previously played under Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar. The Dutchman gave the then 19-year-old his debut for the club, and managed to win the 2008-09 Eredivisie title.

Louis van Gaal had this to say on United’s new man:

“We have to prepare our season with the threat that David De Gea is going to Real Madrid.”

“You need always competition.”

“When I see that a player is better than the player in the line-up, he shall play the next match.”

“He is the Argentinian goalkeeper. He has international experience. I know him very good because I picked him when he was 19 years old to AZ Alkmaar, my former club.

“I know him. I also know his character so I hope he can have a contribution to our selection and I have confidence he can give that.”

“He is a very dominating goalkeeper, he dominates the 60-metre area.”

“His stature is also tall and he gives a lot of confidence to the players.”

“Of course, he has to learn English because that is also a problem always with a foreigner. He is very good with his feet, so he fits in our profile. I have a lot of confidence that he can fulfill what we are expecting.”

[Quotes via BBC Sport and Sky Sports]