Louis Van Gaal plans to start goalkeeper David de Gea on the bench for Manchester United’s opening game of the Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Dutch coach was unhappy with the Spanish keeper’s performance in the Red Devils’ last pre-season friendly against PSG, where a slip in concentration led to the French side’s first goal, and fears that the prospect of a move to Real Madrid is affecting his game.
According to the British press, Van Gaal could hand the starting berth to recent acquisition Sergio Romero, although it is believed he will make his final decision in the next 48 hours. Such a move would certainly be in stark contrast to Van Gaal’s claim that “De Gea will start in the first game against Tottenham.”
Van Gaal is sure that De Gea wants to sign for Madrid and this decision would bring the move one step closer, although it remains to be seen whether the Dutch coach’s plans match the wishes of those at the top at United.