The Future of David de Gea at Manchester United

As far as Manchester United are concerned, there is no debate about David de Gea’s future because he will be staying at Old Trafford. In spite of Louis van Gaal’s ambiguous declarations that the situation isn’t ideal for the player or the club, United are expected to confirm in the next few days that de Gea will guard the team’s net this season.

United will not listen to any offers for the Spain international; De Gea will be involved in the battle to win the Premier League with van Gaal’s team. Club directors have said, sotto voce, that if they were to sell de Gea as they did with Cristiano and Beckham, it would be a sign of weakness. Real Madrid have not sold any members of their squad this summer and without that revenue, they’re not willing to spend more than 25 million euros on de Gea – far short of the 45 million which the keeper is valued at.

Madrid have no intention of selling Benzema and besides, Arsenal do not have the 50 or 60 million euros which the striker would cost. So without generating income from selling one of their prized players, won't have the spending power they have enjoyed in recent seasons. It’s important to remember that to bring in Gareth Bale for 101 million euros two seasons ago, Madrid first had to sell Higuaín (40M) and Özil (45M); and to sign James for 80 million last year, they needed the 75 million from the sale of Di María.

Keylor and Casilla have both looked solid during the pre-season; Robert Lewandowski’s winner in Wednesday’s Audi Cup final was the only the second goal Madrid have shipped all summer. So there is no pressing need to bring in de Gea. The club are willing to wait until he is out of contract when they can sign him on a free.

Contrary to what has been reported in the English press, van Gaal has given no hints as to who will start in goal in tomorrow’s league opener against Tottenham but for van Gaal, de Gea remains his first choice goalkeeper and is his first option to start against Spurs seeing as Romero hasn’t played a single minute of the pre-season.