LONDON • Victor Valdes' wife has slammed Manchester United for failing to invite the Spanish goalkeeper to a high-profile charity event at Old Trafford.

The Premier League club held their annual dinner for Unicef on Sunday and many United players were in attendance. But Valdes, who is out of favour with boss Louis van Gaal, was not on the guest list.

The 33-year-old's wife, Yolanda Cardona, took to Instagram to criticise the club for their conduct.

Underneath a picture taken at the event of Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo, Sergio Romero, David de Gea, Ander Herrera and their partners, she wrote: "Do not invite to my husband @vicvaldes1 to be part of the #united4unicef , its the last thing you don't expect from one of the biggest club as @manchesterunited. A Charity event, its always a Charity event."

United said former Barcelona star Valdes was not invited because he is no longer a member of the first-team squad.

The three-time Champions League winner signed for United on an 18-month contract in January but has played only two games for the club.

Van Gaal told Valdes he was free to leave in the close-season after the manager accused him of refusing to play for the Under-21 side.

In response, the goalie posted a picture on Twitter that reminded supporters he had played for the Under-21s on three occasions last year. Alongside the picture, Valdes wrote: ".....? #respect."

Valdes, who played under van Gaal during the Dutchman's second spell at Barcelona, has not been given a squad number for United this year. He was omitted from the club's official team photo, has not trained with the senior squad this campaign and is expected to leave during the January transfer window.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE