De Gea uncertainty clouds Manchester United’s horizon

Manager concedes it might be difficult to secure his services next season.


Afp May 19, 2015
De Gea could have played his last game with United after injury forced him off against Arsenal and Real Madrid‘s reported interest in signing the Spaniard. PHOTO: AFP

MANCHESTER: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea’s future is up in the air after manager Louis van Gaal acknowledged the threat of Real Madrid’s reported interest in signing him.

De Gea was forced off by a hamstring injury during United’s 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday and, with Real Madrid thought to be preparing to pounce, it may have been his final appearance for the club.

While van Gaal professed not to know if Madrid have made a formal offer for De Gea, who began his career with their cross-town rivals Atletico, he accepts that his club face a struggle to prevent the 24-year-old falling into their clutches.

Asked if he had accepted that De Gea was heading for the exit, van Gaal responded, “You ask asking things I cannot answer, because I don’t know. We have given a fantastic contract [offer] because we want him to stay.  But I analyse his position and then I say he is Spanish, he is a Spanish international — still behind [Iker] Casillas — and now a Spanish club is coming.”

United led 1-0 through Ander Herrera’s 30th-minute volley when De Gea left the fray, but Arsenal equalised eight minutes from time when Theo Walcott’s cross-shot was deflected past Valdes by home substitute Tyler Blackett.

Arsenal can effectively secure third place in the Premier League table, and with it a Champions League group-stage berth, by avoiding defeat at home to Sunderland on Wednesday in their game in hand.

Van Gaal conceded he would rather avoid the inconvenience of entering the Champions League in the play-off round in mid-August — predicting a pair of “stressful games” — but he drew heart from the support of United’s fans.

“It’s amazing when you are fourth and they are shouting and clapping their hands so long for us,” said the Dutchman. “I feel the warmth of the fans. I like it very much. I had never that experience in my other clubs.”

Reflecting on the prospect of avoiding the Champions League play-offs, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said, “It takes the pressure off during the holiday period and in the preparation. You have always that in mind when you prepare, so it will be great when we do it, but it is still to do.” 


Published in The Express Tribune, May 19th,  2015.

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