De Gea not included in Manchester United squad, confirms Van Gaal

The goalkeeper was omitted from the side which beat Tottenham on the opening day of the season and sits out once more for the trip to Aston VillaLouis van Gaal has confirmed that David de Gea will not feature for Manchester United against Aston Villa on Friday night. The Spaniard, a long-time target for Real Madrid, sat out the Premier League curtain-raiser against Tottenham as uncertainty over his future continued. "[It's] the same situation," said the Dutchman when asked if the Spanish shot-stopper would remain on the sidelines. Van Gaal then confirmed that De Gea will remain out of the squad, before saying that Sergio Romero would "normally" continue in goal having impressed at Old Trafford. "There’s no difference [in De Gea's situation]," he reiterated. "The transfer period is still open and he [De Gea] has still the same problem." Van Gaal added that Phil Jones' thrombosis problem will keep him out of the trip, while Marouane Fellaini sits out the second game of a three-match ban. "It is still the same, no injuries - only illness for Phil Jones." United go into the game at Villa Park knowing that a victory will send them to the top of the Premier League at least until Saturday's programme is complete, but Van Gaal believes it is too early in the season to suggest that another win would put pressure on their title rivals. "No, we have only a better start than last season and that we have wished before the game and fortunately we won, but the season takes a long time," he added. "After 10 matches last year we had 13 points. It was still possible to be the champion and until the game against Chelsea at [Stamford Bridge in April] it was possible. It is also possible for Arsenal and Chelsea to recover the points, we shall also lose this season." The game at Villa Park kicks-off at 19:45 BST on Friday after local police asked that the fixture not take place on Saturday.