For those Manchester United fans hoping David de Gea would return for Friday’s clash against Aston Villa (Watch live, 2:45 p.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra), think again.
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During his pre-match press conference for United’s trip to Villa Park, Van Gaal was asked if his Spanish goalkeeper would once again be left out of the matchday squad.
Van Gaal confirmed that De Gea will not be involved, just like on the opening day of the season when he sat in the stands at Old Trafford and watched new signing Sergio Romero keep a clean sheet in United’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
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United’s Dutch manager believes that De Gea is not focused enough to start, and with the Spaniard failing to commit his long-term future to the Red Devils and having just one-year left on his current deal, the 24-year-old continues to be linked with a move to his hometown team, Real Madrid.
Here’s what Van Gaal had to say on De Gea’s inclusion on Friday:
“He won’t play. It is the same situation,” Van Gaal confirmed. “He is out of the squad. I said that already.”
Following United’s opening day win over Spurs, Van Gaal was confident that De Gea would once again play for United. However, it doesn’t look like he will do so until after Sept. 1 when the summer transfer window slams shut, and as things stand Romero deserves to stay as the starting goalkeeper following his solid display on his debut.
