De Gea in limbo at United

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea's future is up in the air after manager Louis van Gaal acknowledged the threat of Real Madrid's reported interest in signing him.

De Gea was forced off by a hamstring injury during United's 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday and, with Real Madrid thought to be preparing to pounce, it might have been his final appearance for the club.

While van Gaal professed to not knowing if Madrid has made a formal offer for de Gea, who began his career with its crosstown rival Atletico, he accepts his club faces a struggle to prevent the 24-year-old falling into its clutches.