There was a suggestion that David de Gea could make his seasonal Manchester United debut against Aston Villa tonight. Man United manager Louis van Gaal had left him out of the squad for the opener against Spurs because he had been distracted by Real Madrid's intense interest.
De Gea was subsequently left out of the squad that will play against Aston Villa tonight, and it was believed that Van Gaal had made that decision. Not so apparently.
Louis van Gaal revealed that the Spanish goalkeeper informed the coaching staff that he did not wish to play in that game against Spurs. This is when Van Gaal took the decision to drop the keeper until the transfer window is closed and his future looks clearer.
We’ve talked with him; he fully agreed with our decision. I have one assistant coach [Ryan Giggs] and another assistant coach, so we speak about that kind of thing. We have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek. I’m not doing everything alone.
Frans Hoek had a meeting with David De Gea and asked him, ‘Do you want to play?’ “No.” Then I have to take the decision. It is a process.
Van Gaal wanted to clarify that De Gea wasn't outright refusing to play, but felt that he wasn't eager to play because of the uncertainty surrounding him and that it was affecting his confidence.
We had been observing him in preparation. He was not so good, he was not the same David De Gea as before.
Even if De Gea regains his focus, and remains in Manchester beyond the transfer deadline, Van Gaal stressed that there was no guarantee that he would reclaim his place in the starting lineup highlighting Sergio Romero's impressive debut in that opening game.
That depends on Romero and his form. It is always like that.
De Gea has been included in United's 28-man squad for the Champions League qualifier against Club Brugges, but is unlikely to play in either leg.
