David de Gea 'does not want to play' for Manchester United

David de Gea had to watch from the stands as Van Gaal opted for Sergio Romero in goal against Tottenham

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has stated that goalkeeper David de Gea will not be featuring in the side which is set to take on Aston Villa on Friday, the club’s official website reports.

The 24-year-old was not selected in the matchday squad for the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and the Dutchman stated that he will again opt for Sergio Romero between the sticks for their first away game of the season.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match, Van Gaal said: "No, it is the same situation. He (De Gea) remains out of the squad."

The Spanish goalkeeper, who has only one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, has been pursued by Real Madrid throughout the summer. United though have been unwilling to do business as they feel the Spanish club’s valuation of the youngster is pretty low.

Madrid let go of long-serving club captain Iker Casillas in an effort to persuade De Gea, but Van Gaal revealed that there has been no progress in talks between the two clubs.

"There’s no difference. The transfer period is still open and he [De Gea] has still the same problem,” Van Gaal said, earlier in the day.

The 65-year-old also stated that United has no fresh injuries concerns ahead of the Villa game, but Phil jones continues to be on the sidelines with mild thrombosis.

United managed to win only 6 of their 19 Premier League games on the road last season and Van Gaal said that the away record is something that his side definitely has to improve in order to reclaim the title.

“Yes, I think that is the key for success this season. At home, we were one of the best – third in the league I think. I want to create a fortune from Old Trafford and we did that. But away from home we can improve, but last season it was not good."

"Not the same David de Gea"

Louis van Gaal went on to disclose a private conversation held between his backroom staff and de Gea – something which United never inclined to do until now.

The Dutchman revealed that a conversation between de Gea and goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, convinced him to go back into the market and acquire the services of Argentinian goalkeeper, Sergio Romero.

“Frans Hoek … he has a meeting with David de Gea and he asked him: ‘Do you want to play?’” When prompted on the response, Van Gaal said: “‘No.’ Then I have to take the decision. It is a process. We had been observing him in preparation, he was not so good, he was not the same David de Gea as before. He was my best player last season. According to the fans, he was the best of the last two years.”

There was also a conversation between van Gaal, his coaching staff and the Spanish shot-stopper. “We talked with him [De Gea] and he fully agreed with our decision,” Van Gaal said. “I have one assistant coach and another assistant coach so we speak about that kind of thing together. We have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, and I’m not doing everything alone.

When further asked if whether de Gea stayed that if he'd win his place back in the squad, he said, “That depends on Romero and his form.”

Van Gaal clarifies future of Hernandez and Januzaj

Van Gaal said that Januzaj and Hernandez will remain at Old Trafford.

While United have pretty active in the transfer window making as many as six signings, a number of players, including Robin van Persie and Nani have left the club. Question marks have also been raised about the futures of Adnan Januzaj and Javier Hernandez, but Van Gaal insists that the pair are very much in his plans for the season.

"He’s (Januzaj) not for sale,” Van Gaal said. “I have 28 players and I have to select every week and maybe every three days. Last week I chose for other players. He is doing his utmost best, all the players are doing that. I don't have any complaints."

As for Hernandez, the boss had this to say: “The striker is Rooney and Chicharito is the second striker and he knows that."