Manchester United legend Paul Scholes questions David De Gea's professionalism

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes called goalkeeper David De Gea "out of order" for losing focus amid interest from European giants Real Madrid.

Related: David De Gea left off Manchester United's Champions League squad

Manager Louis van Gaal has insisted that the goalkeeper will stay, despite his not featuring this season because he's been distracted by a potential move to the Spanish capital.

Acting as pundit for BT Sport during United's comprehensive 4-0 win over Club Brugge, Scholes, speaking with his heart as well as his head, voiced outrage that De Gea is unable to play due to his want of a move away.

"How can you lose focus? That's the thing for me. He is getting paid by this club - it is a brilliant club.

"They paid a lot of money on a young keeper to give him this chance. If the manager is right and says he has lost focus then, yeah, I think he is out of order. He should be in that team playing."

Scholes joined United as a schoolboy in 1991 and enjoyed a trophy-laden 20 years with the club until he initially retired in 2011. He reversed his decision just over seven months later, and played for the Red Devils for another year and a half.

After his tirade, Scholes conceded how important De Gea has been for the club, having been voted player of the year in two consecutive seasons.

"If it wasn't for him last year, they probably wouldn't be in this position tonight so they have to thank him for that."