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Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is set to sit out a second game as Louis van Gaal suggested Sergio Romero will again start for at Aston Villa on Friday. De Gea, who was named United's player of the year for the last two seasons, was omitted by Van Gaal for Saturday's 1-0 win over Tottenham because of concerns about the Spaniard's state of mind amid interest from Real Madrid. But while he named the 24-year-old in United's 28-man squad for their two-legged Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge, he said the former Atletico Madrid player is set to be in the stands again. Asked if De Gea would be in the squad for the Villa game, he told a news conference: "No. It's the same situation." He also told MUTV: "The transfer period is still open and he [De Gea] has still the same problem." Romero, who was signed on a free transfer after leaving Sampdoria, made his United debut against Tottenham while 22-year-old Sam Johnstone, who was on loan at Preston last season, sat on the bench. United will again be without Phil Jones, who is expected to be sidelined for three weeks because of thrombosis, when they face Tim Sherwood's side. And Marcos Rojo is unlikely to play as he lacks match sharpness, having been unable to join up with Van Gaal's squad for the preseason tour of the United States. "Rojo needs more time because he was the last one who came in," Van Gaal told MUTV. "He is training double sessions sometimes. He is doing well but he needs more." It means Daley Blind and Chris Smalling are likely to continue as the central-defensive partnership, but United have no other injury problems. Van Gaal said: "It is still the same, no injuries -- only illness for Phil Jones." United only won six of their 19 away league games last season and Van Gaal believes their fortunes this season depend on their record on the road. "That is the key for success this season," he explained. "We have to improve the away matches because at home we were one of the best, third [best] in the league. I want to create a fortress at Old Trafford but away I want to improve a lot and we can improve a lot because last year was not good away."
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