Sergio Romero retains place in Manchester United goal

Louis van Gaal has confirmed that David de Gea's omission from the Manchester United starting lineup will continue for tomorrow's trip to Aston Villa.

The goalkeeper, is reported to be keen to join Real Madrid, was dropped for the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Asked why he had left De Gea out of the game, Van Gaal stated that the 24-year-old was not in the right frame of mind to play amid all the speculation about his future.

Instead, summer signing Sergio Romero was handed his debut against the Lilywhites and having kept a clean sheet in that contest, Van Gaal has decided to keep faith with the Argentine.

"De Gea still has the same problem, there's no difference. The transfer period is still open and he still has the same problem," the United boss told reporters this afternoon.

Despite all of the uncertainty that has surrounded De Gea, recent speculation has suggested that United expect the keeper to see out the remaining 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford.