What van Gaal thinks about De Gea’s ‘transfer’ to Real Madrid

Louis van Gaal is convinced David De Gea will snub Real Madrid to stay at Manchester United.

De Gea has stalled on signing on a £200,000-a-week contract from United, in the knowledge Real are waiting to take him to the Bernabeu.

Despite that, Van Gaal said be believes De Gea, 24, will eventually decide to commit his immediate future to United by agreeing to the contract extension.

Asked if Victor Valdes, United's current No.2, has what it takes to fill the void should De Gea leave, Van Gaal said: “First we have to see if David De Gea is leaving, then we shall talk about other things.

“But I still believe David will stay. And I want to play him against Hull, because I want to play my strongest team. And I think my strongest team must include David.”

De Gea came off towards the end of United's 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend with a hamstring injury but trained today and is in contention for Sunday's final game of the season at Hull.

Van Gaal also said the decision not to let Luke Shaw play for England Under-21s this summer was the right one for the defender, whose debut season has been blighted by injuries.

Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate was vague about the reason for Shaw not playing this summer, but Van Gaal said the collective decision was made in the best interests of the 19-year-old.

“I don't think we have to say everything,” said Van Gaal. “It is a medical question. I have spoken already with Roy Hodgson two months ago, when there was an international break.