Louis van Gaal has admitted that Manchester United will start the Premier League campaign against Spurs WITHOUT David De Gea as their goalkeeper. The Dutchman has admitted United have ‘problems’ with De Gea, who wants to join Real Madrid.

When asked if De Gea would play against Spurs, Van Gaal said:

“He shall not play, so I don’t have any concerns. No.”

“And the Dutch journalist can confirm also that I think a human being is more than only a player and he cannot manage that.”

When asked if new goalkeeping signing Sergio Romero would replace him, Van Gaal said: “You have to wait and see.”

When asked what would happen with De Gea, LvG simply said:

“I don’t know. That’s in process, that I have already said many many times and still you repeat the question every press conference. I cannot lead this process, I can only watch and observe. And that is what I’m doing. I am not participating in the process.”

Manchester United are said to be prepared to sell De Gea to Real Madrid for a goalkeeping record of over £32 million, or in a straight swap deal with Sergio Ramos. The club also wants to sell Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard.

United play Spurs in just 24 hours time, and it remains a mystery who will start in goal. Sergio Romero is unlikely to be match fit, whilst Valdes looks certain to leave this summer. It leaves Sam Johnstone, who started against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes, could make his senior United debut on Saturday.

[Quotes via Manchester Evening News]