MANCHESTER -- Louis van Gaal has made the 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."