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CHICAGO. – Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal conceded that uncertainty surrounding David De Gea was “not favourable” as the English Premier League soccer giants ended their US tour with a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. De Gea, who is reportedly Real Madrid’s top summer transfer target, gave a shaky goalkeeping display as the French champions exposed United’s defence with soft first-half goals by Blaise Matuidi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Van Gaal is hopeful United will retain the services of De Gea this season but acknowledged the rumors swirling around the star goalkeeper were not helpful to either the play or the club.

“We have a situation that is not favorable for David De Gea, but neither for us and neither for the club (Real Madrid) that maybe he wants to go (to),” said Van Gaal after United’s defeat at Soldier Field.

The veteran Dutch coach was reluctant to be too critical of the Spaniard’s performance, however.

“Poor I cannot say, but he made a mistake. That’s not poor,” Van Gaal said.

“Everybody can make mistakes but when a goalkeeper makes a mistake it is mostly a goal and that’s the difference.”

Van Gaal also claimed, bizarrely, he didn’t know the whereabouts of another want-away player, Angel Di Maria, who is wanted by PSG.

He added: “Maybe you know. We don’t know.”

PSG boss Laurent Blanc: “You know negotiations are in tandem [ongoing] and as Paris St Germain are both big clubs, that can be difficult. But we feel we are close to the end.” – AFP.