Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has claimed that Victor Valdes must prove his worth to the club with his performances for the Under-21 side.

Valdes insisted that he was keen to earn a regular spot in the team when he arrived at Old Trafford on a free transfer, but he has only managed to make one appearance for the youth squad.

The Spaniard has fully recovered from a knee injury which prevented him from earning a contract last summer, and Van Gaal claims that he must now find his form as he looks to put pressure on David de Gea, who has been one of United's best performers this season.

"When you are out for more than a year, first of all you have to show yourself at a lower level," the Dutchman told reporters.

"He has to do it in the second team. Like Ashley Young is doing that, like Michael Carrick has to do that. It is always the same. I think it is normal."

Valdes signed an 18-month deal with United in January.