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Sam Johnstone's agent has criticised Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal for 'holding back' the goalkeeper.

Johnstone, 22, was in contention to start the season after Van Gaal confirmed David de Gea would not be considered for selection during the transfer window.

England youth stopper Johnstone figured in all four of United's pre-season friendlies but Van Gaal instead opted to play free transfer Sergio Romero ahead of him in the opening fixture against Tottenham.

Johnstone was a substitute for United's six August games and his agent, Jordan Segal, has lambasted Van Gaal's treatment of him.

"Sam just wants to play football but Manchester United are holding him back and not even playing him," he told the Daily Mail.

"He is a young goalkeeper and it is time for him to play regularly. If that is not at Manchester United, then it has to be elsewhere. This is an example of young English talent being held back by Van Gaal.

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"The start of the season was the perfect opportunity to give Sam his chance to prove he can play for United. He is ready.

"If they do not want him to play then he needs to move for the sake of his career. He cannot sit on the bench or in the reserves.

"England should have as many goalkeepers as possible to pick from. Given the early progress in his career that is the level he is aiming for. He is not going to get there by not playing."

It is understood De Gea advised Johnstone to remain at United, since he expected to join Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.

Johnstone spent last season on loan at Doncaster and Preston, whom he helped win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

The 2011 Youth Cup winner's United deal runs until 2017.