Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be sold after manager Louis van Gaal claimed he “refused to play” in the reserves. The 33-year-old Spain international was a surprise omission from the pre-season squad currently touring the US. “He doesn’t follow my philosophy. There is no place for someone like that,” said Van Gaal of his January signing. United’s number one David De Gea, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer. Valdes, who won La Liga six times with Barcelona, joined United as De Gea’s back-up after recovering from major knee surgery. Van Gaal responded to questions about Valdes’ absence. He said: “Last year, he refused to play in the second team and there are other aspects you need as a keeper at United. “When you are not willing to follow those principles, there is only one way and that is out. “It is a big disappointment. It is a pity because we have given him the opportunity to rehabilitate, gave him a contract and then he is fit to play.” Valdes, whose contract expires in 2016, made three appearances for the under-21 side last season – against Liverpool in January, Chelsea in February and Spurs in March. His only first-team start was in United’s final game of last season, and Van Gaal added: “I played him at Hull because I wanted to help. I am always a very social human being.”