A transfer saga that dominated last summer’s transfer window will no longer be a talking point this time round, as Real Madrid have reportedly given up on their chase of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.
If things had gone according to plan in the 2015 transfer window, Spain’s number one would have been Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 2015-16 season. A deadline day fiasco involving a delay in paperwork due to a dysfunctional fax machine led to a chaotic situation in the wee hours of 1st September. Exchanges were traded between both parties regarding who was guilty, but long story short, David de Gea remained a Manchester United player.
United fans were ecstatic and the club’s Twitter handle started the ‘#DaveStays’ trend on Twitter. One year down the line, Manchester United are as appreciative of their savior as ever and are desperate to hold on to the Spaniard amidst interest from Los Blancos.
That is one thing the Red Devils don’t need to worry about now, as Real Madrid have given up the chase for the United stopper, according to Guillem Ballague (via Sky Sports).
“I think De Gea now is a clear situation,” Balague said. “Real Madrid have decided not to go with him. He’s happy, he wants to stay with Manchester United and see what Jose Mourinho brings to him.”
De Gea’s presence between the sticks is paramount if United are to challenge for the title
Manchester United’s number one has established himself as one of the best keepers in the world. David de Gea carried his side’s title hopes throughout the dismal 2015/16 season by keeping 15 clean sheets. He would’ve probably won the Golden Glove had the United defence been more organized.
David De Gea’s Premier League season by numbers
34 games
93% claim success
15 clean sheets
2.24 saves per game#AskSquawka@eimranharith09— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 1, 2016
De Gea missed out on the first four games of the season due to the aforementioned transfer dilemma, but once that was cleared out, he marshaled the ever-changing back line with great efficiency.
At times, confronted with tense one-on-one situations, the Spaniard saw off everything that came his way. De Gea will only get better under Jose Mourinho, and the Spanish keeper will be hoping to guide Manchester United to a 21st Premier League triumph.