Goalkeeper De Gea has been linked with a move to Real Madrid all summer, but he still remains on United’s books going into the new season.
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Sam Johnstone, the third- or fourth-choice keeper, played 206 minutes and did well.
In Louis van Gaal’s first match, they were thoroughly outclassed by Swansea prompting a spending spree in which high-profile flops Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao were hastily brought to the club. Henry added You can’t do that at Manchester United, it’s too well structured. Van Gaal has ruled out David de Gea and will start newly signed goalie Sergio Romero.
Van Gaal must decide whether he is ready to throw in Romero, who did not play for United at all in pre-season. He knows the answer better than I know but it happens and then there is only one solution, what he has done. “I have to observe”. I’m not participating in it.
“It is not easy for him to manage his situation now”.
Goalkeepers David de Gea (left) and Iker Casillas in a Spain training session in Leon on June 10, 20 …
At the back it will be a surprise if Matteo Darmian does not start at full-back, despite Van Gaal’s claims he is back-up to Antonio Valencia.
Johnstone, a former England Under-20 global, has gained experience in the lower divisions during loan spells at Scunthorpe, Walsall, Yeovil, Doncaster and Preston.
Manchester United have officially revealed their squad numbers for the upcoming season.
“Di Maria, we have solved that problem but it is for us a big loss”, he said.
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Di Maria completed his move to Paris Saint Germain yesterday after enduring a hard year in the Premier League and the Argentine winger has thanked the United staff, players and supporters. Spurs may also look to play a five-man midfield in an attempt to congest United’s build-up play, hitting on the break through the likes of Andros Townsend, Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen and of course Kane. “Di Maria is one of those players so we have to look for that kind of player, but they have to have the talent to cope with the English rhythm and that’s hard to find”.
