unequivocal declaration that Manchester United
are not selling David De Gea.
The goalkeeper is a target for Real Madrid, but
while Van Gaal is not playing the 24-year-old as
the transfer window remains open, he is adamant
he will not leave.
De Gea is in the final year of his contract and has
refused lucrative offers of an extended deal but,
while he is set to depart on a free transfer next
summer, Van Gaal suggested United will not
countenance cashing in on him in the next 10
days.
The Dutchman was bullish after seeing Pedro join
Chelsea when he declared that United can attract
any players who are for sale.
He said in a news conference: "I think when
Manchester United wants a player he shall come,
[apart from] when a club is not selling. Okay,
then it is the same with us. We are not selling De
Gea. It's the same."
Van Gaal revealed that defender Phil Jones, who is
suffering from mild thrombosis, will sit out
United's next three games.
The England international is back in training but
will not face Newcastle, Club Brugge or Swansea.
"He is getting better," Van Gaal added. "He is
running now on the pitch but he shall not be fit
enough. [He will come back] after the
international break, I hope, because it's also a
process. I am saying too much now."
United are yet to sign a centre-back this summer
but Van Gaal, who had a bid for Real Madrid's
Sergio Ramos rejected, is adamant he has a
balanced squad with two players in every
position.
When fit, Jones will be an alternative to Chris
Smalling while Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind are
two left-footers who can play in the centre of
defence.
"You can see my selection and you can see that
for every position a double, so we don't have to
change but when we can improve we shall do
that, but our way," he added.
United have only conceded one goal in their first
three games of the season and Van Gaal believes
they have proved their critics wrong.
"You are writing: 'You have no defence, you are
not good enough,'" he said.
Van Gaal has been particularly happy with
Smalling, explaining: "He makes steps, I have to
admit. I can see it and you can see it. That's
fantastic."
But he believes the England international can
improve when bringing the ball out of defence,
saying: "He could do better. For a manager you
always want more, but he makes steps in that,
particularly in that aspect of football because in
defending, he was always the best."
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