De Gea dropped as LVG launches strongly-worded assessment

Worrying speculation about the future of United's star 'keeper continues, with the player set to miss Manchester United's season opener against Spurs on Saturday after Louis van Gaal said he's "not the David De Gea of last year".

As the Premier League curtain-raiser approaches, van Gaal will have triggered panic among United's fan base with a strongly-worded verbal assessment of De Gea.

"We've observed him in training and matches and he's not the David De Gea of last year," he said.

The Spaniard has been the subject of intense speculation about his future, with a move to Real Madrid thought to be in the offing. ManUtdWeb issued a plea to the shot stopper earlier in the year, which has been echoed by many linked to the club.

De Gea's contribution to United last season cannot be underestimated. A string of stunning performances rescued MUFC countless points and ensured a return to Europe's elite competition after a one-season absence.

However, with many reports indicating that DDG favoured a move to Real, it has been judged that the 24-year-old is not in the right frame of mind to feature against the North London outfit in Saturday's early kick-off.

LVG added: "Now we have to play our first match and I want players who can focus only on the match and he is not capable to do that. He shall not play."

New signing Sergio Romero or Anders Lindegaard, whose United career could yet be revived, will now be called upon to keep out the Lilywhites.