David De Gea transfer latest: Goalkeeper tells Manchester United he doesn't want to play while his future is undecided

Sergio Romero will continue in goal for United's next match against Aston Villa

David De Gea in the stands at Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

David De Gea has told Manchester United he does not want to play while his future is under discussion.

It was thought the decision to drop the goalkeeper from United’s squad while he is the subject of interest from Real Madrid was Louis van Gaal’s alone. However, the United manager revealed that De Gea himself does not feel ready to play for United.

Speaking before Friday evening’s game at Aston Villa, where Sergio Romero will be in goal, Van Gaal said: “We have talked with him and he is in full agreement with our decision. I have two assistant coaches so we speak about that kind of thing and we have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, so I am not doing everything alone.

“Frans has had a meeting with David and he asks him if he wants to play. The answer is no. David was not eager to play because of the situation and because he was not 100 per cent focussed due to all the rumours surrounding him.

“Then we have to take a decision. It is a process. We had been observing him and he was not so good – he was not the same David De Gea as before. He was my best player last season.”

Asked what would happen to De Gea if he was still at United once the window closes, Van Gaal said: “That depends on Romero and his form. It is always like that in football.”