TheCable

Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal, has decided Real Madrid target David De Gea will not start against Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s Barclays Premier League opener.

Speculation over the future of the 24-year-old has persisted all summer and the Dutch coach has thrown the Spaniard’s future into further doubt with the decision to drop him against Spurs.

“I think about the human being more than the player and I don’t think he can handle that,” said the Red Devils boss.

New signing Sergio Romero is likely to start the season-opener, but Van Gaal could select 31-year-old Anders Lindegaard or Sam Johnstone, 22 as well.  Both travelled on the US tour, but neither played for United last season.

United also have Victor Valdes, but the 33-year-old Spaniard has been made available for transfer after Van Gaal claimed he “refused to play” in the reserves.

De Gea has made 175 appearances since joining United from Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid in 2011.