Louis van Gaal 'hopes' David de Gea can play against Barcelona in friendly

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has insisted that he wants David de Gea to play in the club's upcoming friendly against Barcelona in order to help the Spaniard sharpen up ahead of the new Premier League season.

De Gea has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, but Van Gaal has stated that he wants his number one keeper to play when possible in pre-season because he needs to be ready for the club's coming campaign.

"I have good hope he can play against Barcelona," said Van Gaal, according to The Express.

"He was injured and couldn't play against San Jose so I said, 'go stand in the goal so we have a point of direction for my attackers, but don't do anything to risk your injury'.

"That is because we have to build him up [for the new season]. I think he can play [against Barcelona] and I hope he can."

De Gea has missed United's first two tour games because of a back injury.