Former defender Gary Neville has said that the fact David de Gea is reportedly seeking a move away from Old Trafford is due to 'bad management' on Manchester United's part.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal claimed yesterday that the goalkeeper no longer wants to play for the club, although De Gea himself said that he was shocked to have been left out of the Dutchman's side.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Neville insisted that the situation has been allowed to develop because of poor management by United in allowing the Spanish keeper's contract to run into its final year.

"This has been badly managed by Manchester United, make no mistake about that, to allow a player of his quality not to extend a couple of years ago," the 40-year-old said.

"He had those couple of dodgy seasons at the start when he was a young, inexperienced goalkeeper adapting to a new country, but under David Moyes he showed real promise.

"The question has to be asked why wasn't [his contract] extended in that period? To allow his contract to get to this situation is poor management. And now United are paying for it."

Neville's comments came before United's game against Aston Villa at Villa Park this evening.