Louis van Gaal has confirmed that David de Gea will not start for Manchester United at Aston Villa.

The United boss has also claimed that the 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, who continues to be linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, did not want to play against Tottenham last week.

De Gea was left out of the squad for the 1-0 win against Mauricio Pochettino’s side because he had been distracted by the interest from Real, according to Van Gaal.

After confirming that Sergio Romero would continue in goal for the game at Villa Park, Van Gaal said: “We have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, and he had a meeting with David de Gea and he asks him ‘Do you want to play against Spurs?’ ‘No.’

“Then I have to take the decision.”

United want £33million for De Gea, a sum Real are unwilling to play, but Van Gaal has hinted that the goalkeeper may not play again this month, adding: “We had been observing him in preparation, he was not so good, he was not the same David De Gea as before.

“He was my best player last season. According to the fans, he was the best of the last two years.”

De Gea has started 131 Premier League matches for United since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in an £18.9million deal three years ago.

United, 6.50 to win the Premier League title this season, can be backed at 1.67 to win at Villa Park while a victory for Tim Sherwood’s side is available at 6.00.