Victor Valdes latest: Iker Casillas blasts 'ungrateful' Manchester United over treatment of goalkeeper

Valdes has been frozen out at Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes (Getty Images)

The treatment of Victor Valdes by Manchester United shows how "ungrateful" football can be, says Iker Casillas.

Valdes has been frozen out of the picture at Old Trafford by manager Louis van Gaal after allegedly refusing to play for the Under-21s last season.

Having been told he will not play for Manchester United again, been omitted from United's pre-season tour and even having his belongings removed from the first-team dressing room, Valdes looked certain to leave during the summer transfer window. However, a proposed move to Besiktas fell through and he remains at Manchester United.

The former Barcelona stopper was not called up by Spain for the current international break due to his lack of playing time, leading to his international team-mate Casillas speaking out.

"I want to send all my support and a lot of encouragement to Victor," Casillas told El Mundo Deportivo.

"This is proof that at times football is ungrateful.

"He deserves to find a solution soon because of the type of player he is."

David De Gea shares a joke with fellow Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas while on international duty (Getty Images)

With Van Gaal not known for backing down, Valdes seems likely to remain out of action until at least January when the transfer window will re-open.

"Had they told us a year-and-a-half ago that he would be in this situation, no one would have believed it," former Real Madrid captain Casillas added.

He continued: "Obviously, no one wishes him that. I know he will come out of this situation because he has a privileged mind and I really hope he comes out of this.

"I'm certain he will succeed because we all get back to enjoying ourselves [after leaving a club]."