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Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been told by his Spain manager that he will face a fight to remain the country's No.1 between the posts.

New boss Roberto Moreno has insisted he wants De Gea, Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga and Roma shot-stopper Pau Lopez to all vie for the jersey.

De Gea's poor form for United towards the end of last season saw Kepa jump ahead of him in the pecking order for Spain — after the United man had endured a poor World Cup last summer too.

Despite being linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, De Gea is now expected to sign a bumper new contract and has worn the captain's armband for United's opening two Premier League fixtures of the season.

But he has been given no such assurances over his position with Spain. Moreno, the national team's former assistant boss and ex No.2 at Barcelona, has been appointed to succeed Luis Enrique ­— who was forced to step down from the role for personal reasons — and spoke openly about his goalkeeping situation at a recent press conference.

"My goalkeepers are De Gea, Kepa and Pau Lopez," Moreno told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

"I like that there is competition. Kepa is not ahead of De Gea, and neither is ahead of Pau.

"I want to get to the Euros (next summer) with three goalkeepers who are ready to compete. They are all playing at a high level and there are nuances and differences between them. All three have good footwork.

"At Barca, we won the treble alternating goalkeepers."