David de Gea insists that he will not be replaced by Victor Valdes at Manchester United.
Former Barcelona keeper Valdes is currently a free agent and has been training with Man United as he bids to recover from a cruciate ligament injury which he suffered in March.
De Gea, meanwhile, has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, whilst an injury picked up with the Spanish national side is likely to keep the keeper out for some-time.
“Yes, my contract runs out in 2016 but they didn’t sign him for that. Victor had a difficult injury, he had a bad time and the boss knows him well and has given him the opportunity to recover there,” De Gea told AS.
“Victor is training over in Manchester; he’s still not 100 per cent after his injury. When he is fully fit he will start to train with us. He’s still not training in goal with us. From time to time he comes out with the goalkeeping coach but very little still.
“Van Gaal knows him well because he gave Victor his debut at Barca and has a special affection for him and whenever possible we have to help where we can.
“Football is cruel at times, it’s difficult. When things go well, you’re very good and, when they go badly … well, it’s awful.”