I'm not sure if that is entirely true to some extent. I mean, if Van Gaal genuinely asked for Dani Alves and Ramos before going on holiday (which was before the Ramos thing kicked off I think), then I'd be amazed. Unless Van Gaal personally monitors all players contract situations, which I seriously doubt.
From what Van Gaal said this season, he didn't seem to have a clue about most of last year's signings. He barely played Herrera for months and admitted he didn't know what to do with Di Maria, which was reflected in him warming the bench for most of the 2nd half of the season. Unless Van Gaal is just a transfer Muppet that doesn't listen to his scouts and signs players based off players he's coached previously or seen on Revista de La Liga on a Saturday night.