Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero accepts he faces competition for his starting place at Old Trafford this season. Romero, 28, signed for United on a free transfer in the summer and was made the club’s first choice by manager Louis van Gaal. But after David De Gea’s proposed move to Real Madrid failed to be completed before last week’s transfer deadline, Romero is under even more pressure to perform.

The Argentina international, who was criticised for his display in United’s 2-1 loss at Swansea, told La Nacion in quotes reported by The Sun: “Playing for United is a dream and if God helps me this dream will never end.

“As I have been saying: I have to thank Van Gaal for trusting me. But let me tell you, I don’t think that the goalkeep spot in United is already mine. I do know that I have a huge support from Van Gaal and his staff.”

Reflecting on his move to Old Trafford, which came after his contract expired at Sampdoria, Romero added:

“Although I had not done a preseason, I started playing for the biggest club in the world. “It’s important for a goalkeeper to have this support. That is because there is no rotation between goalkeepers — a goalkeeper starts or he is benched. “They are the only two choices — there is not a third one. And Van Gaal has given me his trust.”