Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has told goalkeeper David de Gea that he will have to fight to keep the number one jersey from new signing Sergio Romero this season.

Romero signed a three-year contract to join the Red Devils on Sunday, and with De Gea heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, Van Gaal has suggested that the Argentine is fighting to be first choice.

He said at a press conference: "In our circumstances, with the threat that De Gea is going to Real Madrid, we have to prepare our season and I think Sergio Romero can fulfil that. You have to handle the situation very quickly if [the transfer] may happen with De Gea.

"I have of course spoken with Sergio and also with David and, with me, always the best shall be in the line-up. So you have to fight and I think in a top club as Manchester United, you need always competition."

Romero was a free agent after leaving Sampdoria.