Sam Johnstone's agent has accused Louis van Gaal of restricting opportunities for young English players.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper was denied a loan move to the Championship during the summer transfer window as United's ridiculous David De Gea saga rolled on.

Johnstone has played second fiddle to Sergio Romero in the opening stages of United's season and with De Gea as well as Victor Valdes remaining at Old Trafford, is unlikely to see any action anytime soon, which has upset the player's representative Jordan Segal.

"Sam just wants to play football but Manchester United are holding him back and not even playing him," he said.

"He is a young goalkeeper and it is time for him to play regularly. If that is not at Manchester United, then it has to be elsewhere.

"This is an example of young English talent being held back by van Gaal."