Friday 7 August 2015 19:31, UK
Manchester United keeper David de Gea will not be considered for the opening Premier League game against Tottenham, according to manager Louis van Gaal.
De Gea has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer after an impressive season at Old Trafford.
"He shall not play," Van Gaal told a press conference this morning.
"We are living in a crazy football world. The transfer period is still going on and the competition is starting as well. You never know what will happen. You know we have problems with De Gea.
"I’m not participating in the process. I’m fighting against the transfer period. I know what the process is like and what it means for clubs, managers and players. It is not easy for David de Gea to manage his situation now."
Real are keen to sign a new goalkeeper following the departure of Iker Casillas to Porto. De Gea still has one year left on his Manchester United contract and featured for the club in their pre-season preparations.
The Spaniard's unavailability limits Van Gaal's goalkeeping options against Tottenham. Recent signing Sergio Romero has only just joined up with his United teammates and is unlikely to feature as Van Gaal is thought to prefer players who have been involved in the squad for at least a fortnight.
With Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard both reportedly on the way out of Old Trafford, Van Gaal may have to turn to third-choice goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
The 22-year-old, who has previously enjoyed loan spells at Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers, is yet to feature for United's first team in a competitive fixture but could be in line for his debut against Mauricio Pochettino's side.
"You have to wait and see who is starting," van Gaal said when asked about his team selection for Saturday.
The Dutchman also suggested that he is looking for a replacement for Angel Di Maria, who completed a £44.3m move to PSG earlier this week.
"It is a big loss," United's manager said.
"I want more attackers with speed and creativity, Di Maria is one of those players. We have to look for that type of player. They have to have the talent to cope with the English rhythm. That is difficult to find."
Van Gaal also revealed that both Marcus Rojo and Bastian Schweinsteiger were likely to miss the Tottenham game due to lack of match fitness.
"Rojo came (back) one week ago, Schweinsteiger came at the last moment, I don't think that he is fit enough," said van Gaal.
