David De Gea to Real Madrid: Manchester United goalkeeper not included in squad for Aston Villa as he closes in on transfer

De Gea has been lined with Real move all summer

James Orr
Thursday 13 August 2015 12:43 EDT
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David De Gea is still not 'mentally'
David De Gea is still not 'mentally' (GETTY IMAGES)

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Louis van Gaal has confirmed David de Gea is still not mentally fit enough to play for Manchester United.

De Gea sat out United's season-opening win against Tottenham last week. Van Gaal felt he was not able to focus because of speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old's contract expires next summer.

And Van Gaal has confirmed the goalkeeper will not feature in the club's second game of the campaign against Aston Villa on Friday night.

"No, it's the same situation," the United manager said when asked if De Gea would be in the squad for the Villa game. "There is no difference. The transfer period is still open and he has still the same problems."

United are refusing to sell De Gea unless they get Sergio Ramos in return or Madrid break the world-record fee for a goalkeeper (£32.6million).

Senior sources at Old Trafford insist they are happy for the shot-stopper to run down his contract, and Van Gaal is okay with the idea that the Spaniard will not play for him until the transfer window shuts.

David De Gea watched the win against Spurs from the stands
David De Gea watched the win against Spurs from the stands (GETTY IMAGES)

"I have said that already," Van Gaal said.

Sergio Romero deputised for De Gea in the 1-0 win over Spurs and the Argentina goalkeeper looks set to play at Villa Park.

"Normally, yes," was the Dutchman's terse reply when asked if Romero would keep his place.

Another person who looks set to stay at United is Adnan Januzaj. The Belgian was linked with a move to Sunderland after being left out of the match day squad for the Spurs game.

When quizzed on whether he would consider letting Januzaj leave on loan, Van Gaal replied: "He is still not for sale."

Van Gaal insists he is happy with the 20-year-old forward, however.

He added: "He (Januzaj) is doing his best.

"All the players are, I don't have any complaints."

Javier Hernandez made the 18 for the Spurs game, but did not come off the bench.

The Mexican spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, but it does not look like he will be leaving Old Trafford in this transfer window despite West Ham's interest in him.

Javier Hernandez also looks unlikely to leave
Javier Hernandez also looks unlikely to leave (Getty Images)

"No, the (first) striker is Rooney, Hernandez is the second striker and he knows that," Van Gaal said.

Van Gaal's main focus is on bringing in new players before the window shuts.

The Dutchman is keen to push through a deal for Pedro, who scored the winner for Barcelona in their UEFA Super Cup win over Sevilla in Georgia on Tuesday night.

There could be at least one more signing before September 1, but Van Gaal will not enter the market just for the sake of it.

"It is always our aim to improve our squad and when it is possible we shall do it," he said.

"But we will only buy when it is a contribution to the selection."

The build-up to Friday's game has been dominated by some strong words from a former Barcelona player, Hristo Stoichkov.

The Bulgarian branded Van Gaal a "mediocre" manager who "destroys" players and clubs in an interview on Spanish radio station Onda Cero earlier this week.

Van Gaal claims Stoichkov's tirade against him is because he still holds a grudge against him for selling the striker to CSKA Sofia when he was manager at the Nou Camp.

"It is not bothering me," Van Gaal said.

"He is one of the players I (sold) and that is why he is doing that."

Additional reporting by PA

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