Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea will not start against Bolton Wanderers this afternoon, according to reports.

The former Atletico Madrid star signed at Old Trafford earlier this summer for a fee in the region of £18m, but has faced early criticism for his decision-making on a number of goals conceded.

With a physical test expected at the Reebok Stadium in today's clash, Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to sit out the Spaniard in favour of Danish backup Anders Lindegaard, according to The Sun.

However, Ferguson still has full confidence in the 20-year-old to be his long-term starter.

"I think that, at 20, he's young for a goalkeeper but he's long-term for us," said Ferguson. "He will improve as he goes along. I have no issues with him at all."

The news comes hours after Ferguson told reporters that he expects referees to better protect the young keeper in the future.