Manchester United keeper Victor Valdes has uncertain debut in Under-21 win over Liverpool

Victor Valdes conceded a soft goal on his Manchester United debut as manager Louis van Gaal was given an uncertain insight into potential life after David de Gea during the 2-1 Under-21 win over Liverpool on Monday 26 January.

Jerome Sinclair fired in at Valdes' near post in the Spain international's first appearance for 10 months to cap an uncertain display as his United career began with victory at Leigh Sports Village.

With current number one De Gea expected to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, the 33-year-old is the heir apparent to the ex-Atletico Madrid stopper but he will be hoping to improve his form should opportunities come his way before the end of the campaign.

"Victor's been excellent in the dressing room and not only tonight," Under-21 coach Warren Joyce told MUTV. "When he first came to the club, he was telling us about his time at Barcelona and it's been good to have him around the lads.

"Obviously, he wants to play in bigger games than this but he treated it like a big game and did everything professionally."

Valdes added via his Instagram account: "Was a great honor to win today with the unders 21 in my first game against Liverpoool. Well Done Guys!"

De Gea's future remains uncertain at United with less than 18 months remaining on his current contract and though Van Gaal is confident his first-choice goalkeeper will sign an extension, rumours are abound regarding interest from Real Madrid.

Those reports were inflamed by comments from De Gea's agent, Jorge Mendes, who told Marca: "He's a Man United player and has a contract there. You have to respect that but things change every five minutes.

"I think so, yes. I think there is no problem for him to sign. When you are a [regular] player, then probably you are the best and then the manager is very happy that a player that is fixed in the line-up will stay."

The performances of De Gea have been largely responsible for United occupying a Champions League place with 16 games of the season remaining, with the Spain international having twice been named the club's player of the month.