David de Gea Quintana

[Andi Istiabudi]

DE GEA ISSUES MESSAGE TO THE REDS

David De Gea has appealed for calm as Manchester United end 2020 in second place in the Premier League.

It’s a Happy New Year for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Reds as we climbed the table to sit just two points behind leaders Liverpool (ahead of the Merseysiders' game with Newcastle on Wednesday) with the campaign heading into 2021, following the late 1-0 win against Wolves.

After 15 matches, United’s Christmas period haul of seven points from three matches has put us in a strong position to engage in a title battle.

But our Spanish no.1 believes everyone must stay cool as excitement over challenging for the League crown is bound to mount.

“We need to be calm. There are still a lot of games to play, big games, and we have the cups as well so there are many, many games,” David told MUTV.

“We have to stay focused and not look forward too much but just look to the next game. So, Aston Villa (Friday, 1 January 2021) is the most important thing now.”

It was a hard-fought victory against Wolves with a 0-0 stalemate on the cards until Marcus Rashford’s 93rd-minute winner snatched the three points for United.

“It was a massive win. To score at the end of the game, a tight game against a good team, this is the way to be at the top of the league,” said De Gea.

“They (Wolves) are a very good team, they defend well, they counter-attack and they have players up front with pace. It was tight. They had some chances but so did we. And scoring in the last minutes is always good. So we get the three points and that is massive for us.

“You have to fight until the end. You have to go until the end and we showed again today if you keep believing and keep trying, we can score winning goals like we did.

“It was a big performance from the whole team.”

Next up is a visit from in-form Villa to Old Trafford on Friday night to kick off 2021.

“We have to be ready for Aston Villa now and recover because this was a hard game,” says our goalkeeper.

“The players have to recover very well because they had to run a lot and have played a lot of games, so recovering well is one of the most important things.”

www.manutd.com

[zudomiriku]

David de Gea announces birth of baby girl Yanay after being told not to rush back from personal leave in Spain... with Dean Henderson given six games to impress Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Manchester United's No 1

* Goalkeeper David de Gea's first child - daughter Yanay - was born on Thursday
* The Manchester United star announced the birth via social media on Friday
* The Spaniard was told by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not to rush back from Spain
* Dean Henderson will play in United's next six games while De Gea is on leave

David de Gea welcomed his first child Yanay on Thursday after being told by Manchester United not to rush back from personal leave in Spain this month.

Sportsmail revealed on Thursday that De Gea travelled back to his home country to be with his pop star partner Edurne as she prepared to give birth.

De Gea wants to return to Old Trafford to reclaim his spot as first-choice goalkeeper but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes it is best if the 30-year-old stays away from the club until after the international break.


Manchester United's David de Gea announced the birth of his first child Yanay on Friday. The Spaniard announced the birth of his daughter - born on Thursday - via social media

De Gea announced the birth of his daughter via social media on Friday, more than 48 hours before United's crucial derby with Manchester City on Sunday.

Dean Henderson is expected to start in goal for the Red Devils at the Etihad Stadium clash and will have six games to show Solskjaer why he can unseat De Gea as first-choice shot stopper.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference for the Manchester derby, Solskjaer said: 'It's a fantastic day for David. Of course when you become a dad that's probably the best possible feeling you can have. The ones who have been lucky enough to have that feeling know exactly what David is going through now.


De Gea was told by United not to rush back from personal leave in Spain where he is with partner Edurne. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) says it is best if De Gea (right) returns after the March internationals

'I'll give him the time he needs before he comes back. He has to go home and in the old world that's a day, you come back and you're ready again.

'Now with the pandemic and quarantines of course it's a different world, but still we felt when David wanted to go and be there to support his girlfriend of course there's not even a decision to make.

'Dean came in and played well and he's ready, so I'll give David the time he needs of course.'

Henderson kept a clean sheet in United's goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and will stay in goal for the Manchester derby and next week's top-flight clash with West Ham.

The 23-year-old will also deputise in both Europa League last-16 ties with AC Milan and the FA Cup quarter-final at Leicester City on March 21, but Henderson was expected to play in those matches even if De Gea was not away from the squad.

De Gea's status as No 1 has been questioned by fans and pundits for several months after a series of high-profile errors this season.

The Spaniard was at fault for two Everton goals in the Toffees' 3-3 draw at Old Trafford in February - his eighth and ninth errors directly leading to a goal since the start of the 2016-17 season.

Only three goalkeepers - Jordan Pickford, Hugo Lloris and Asmir Begovic - have made the same amount of errors over this period.

Henderson has kept eight clean sheets in 13 appearances across several competitions for the Red Devils this term - his first season in the first-team following a two-year loan spell at Sheffield United.

The run of matches could be pivotal for Henderson in his bid to become England's first-choice goalkeeper at this summer's European Championships with concerns over Three Lions first-choice Pickford this season.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9329959/David-Gea-announces-birth-baby-girl-Yanay-told-not-rush-Man-United.html

selamat untuk De Gea atas kelahiran putri pertamanya Yanay

[zudomiriku]

David de Gea 'to LEAVE Manchester United at the end of season... but Spaniard will exit with huge pay-out as Red Devils prepare to make Dean Henderson club No 1'

* David de Gea is preparing to leave Manchester United at the end of the season
* De Gea, 30, is behind Dean Henderson in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's future plans
* With two years on his contract, United will likely have to pay de Gea a huge sum

David de Gea is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season with a big pay-off to cut his contract early as Dean Henderson officially becomes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-choice goalkeeper.

According to The Mirror, United are ready to part ways with the 30-year-old De Gea and want to get his eye-watering £350,000-a-week wages off their books.

However, with two years left to run on his contract, any move by the Red Devils to move De Gea on will likely involve a substantial pay-out to cut his time at Old Trafford short.


David de Gea is reportedly preparing to leave Manchester United at the end of this season. De Gea has fallen down Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's pecking order behind Dean Henderson (right). Solskjaer has been juggling his goalkeeper situation all season but is now favouring Henderson. Henderson signed a six-year, £120,000-a-week contract with the Red Devils in August last year

Once regarded as the best player in the Manchester United squad, and the club's highest paid player, De Gea's form has come under significant scrutiny over the past few seasons.

With Henderson recalled from a very successful loan spell at Sheffield United last season, and having signed a six-year £120,000-a-week contract in August last year, Solskjaer is ready to hand him the No 1 jersey next season.

The 24-year-old deputised ably in De Gea's absence after the Spaniard returned home last month for the birth of his child. Henderson kept three clean sheets in the Premier League, though he did make the error that led to AC Milan's equaliser at San Siro in the Europa League.

De Gea is the spearhead for a goal-keeper exodus at Man United, according to The Mirror. Three other senior keepers are expected to be let go at the end of the season.

Argentine Sergio Romero has already been allowed to run down the remaining months of his contract back in his homeland, while third choice Lee Grant and Joel Pereira, currently on loan at Huddersfield, will become free agents at the end of the season.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9433943/David-Gea-LEAVE-Manchester-United-end-season.html

dengan menjadikan Henderson kiper no.1 musim depan otomatis De Gea akan diusir 'secara halus". dapat dana transfer dari penjualan De Gea sekaligus melonggarkan neraca keuangan karena De Gea pemain bergaji tertinggi

[zudomiriku]

David de Gea is set to bring the curtain down on his 10-year stint at Old Trafford with Manchester United ready to offer him up to Europe's elite after losing No 1 spot to Dean Henderson... but could a move to Madrid, Paris or Milan be on the cards?

* Manchester United will offer David de Gea to Europe's elite this summer
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to promote Dean Henderson as his No 1 goalkeeper
* As a result, United will offer De Gea up to Europe's elite in the transfer window
* But where could he end up? Sportsmail looks at his possible destinations

David de Gea's time at Manchester United looks to be coming to an end this summer with Dean Henderson appearing to come out on top in their battle for the No 1 shirt at Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cast further doubt over the Spaniard's future by deciding to stick with Henderson in goal for the club's 2-1 win over Brighton at the weekend – the Englishman's seventh start in a row.

De Gea, 30, was once considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world not too long ago but a series of mistakes and poor performances have seen him fall out of favour under Solskjaer.


David de Gea could be heading for the exit at Manchester United this summer. Dean Henderson is set to become United's new No 1 goalkeeper – forcing De Gea out

The writing is now on the wall and will see United offer him up to Europe's elite this summer.

De Gea still has two years left to run on his current £375,000-a-week contract and now would be the ideal time for United to cash in on the former Atletico Madrid man.

But where will he end up should he leave Old Trafford at the end of the season?

Sportsmail looks at the potential landing spots for De Gea.

Real Madrid

When De Gea was at the peak of his powers, Real Madrid were heavily linked with a move for Spain's No 1 and were within minutes of finalising a move for him back in 2015.

However, the switch famously never materialised due to a faulty fax machine which saw Real sign Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea two years later instead.

Sportsmail understands that Real are likely to be interested again at the right price, with United wanting around £50million for him.

While a return to the city where he was born would prove to be an enticing prospect, shifting Courtois may proved to be another problem for Real.

Courtois is two years younger than De Gea and has made the No 1 spot his since leaving Chelsea in a £35m move.

Probability of a move: 6/10

Atletico Madrid

Having risen through the ranks at Atletico Madrid, a sensational return could certainly be on the cards.

De Gea was sold to United in 2011 for £18.9m and has been linked with a move back in recent years.

Should he become available, Atletico may consider re-signing him but, like Real, already have a well-established top keeper at the club.

Jan Oblak is one of the world's best goalkeepers and would likely be sold on as a result if De Gea did make a return to the Spanish capital.

Oblak, who also has two years left on his lucrative contract at the Wanda Metropolitano, has been linked with a move to the Premier League but has a mammoth £103m release clause over his head.

Should Oblak leave, though, then De Gea will be free to move back to his native Spain to be closer to his wife and new mum Edurne, who works as a TV reporter in Madrid.

Probability of a move: 8/10

Barcelona

Barcelona are another Spanish club that have been linked with De Gea in the past and may have considered a move before the Covid pandemic rocked the world of football.

Question marks over Marc-Andre ter Stegen's future last year also saw an opportunity for the Catalan giants to cash in on the German and find a replacement.

But not long after being linked with the Nou Camp exit, ter Stegen put pen to paper on a new four-and-a-half-year deal back in November, seeing him commit his future to Barcelona until 2025.

While a move back to Spain appears to be quite likely, a battle for a No 1 jersey with one of the world's best is not.

Add to the fact that Barcelona are believed to be carrying debts in the excess of more than £1billion, leaving a big-money move for a second-choice keeper highly unlikely.

Probability of a move: 2/10

PSG

Another European giant that could be ready to throw their hat into the ring for De Gea is Paris Saint-Germain.

Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen on signing a new goalkeeper this summer to replace the 34-year-old Keylor Navas.

While Navas is one of the world's finest shotstoppers on his day, Pochettino seemingly wants to replace the Costa Rican and has targeted a move for De Gea once the window reopens.

PSG are one of the few clubs in Europe that will be able to afford De Gea's huge £375,000-a-week wages – the highest in the Premier League – and would also be able to stump up a significant transfer fee to tempt United to sell.

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who is out of contract next summer, has previously been linked with PSG, but the French club may now focus on a move for de Gea instead.

The only issue for De Gea would be the distance from his family but the right offer from the Parisian side may be too difficult to turn down.

Probability of a move: 7/10

AC Milan

AC Milan could be forced to sign a new goalkeeper should Gianluigi Donnarumma choose not to renew terms with the Italian side.

Donnarumma only had three months left on his current deal and, despite months of discussions to remain at the San Siro, there has been no resolution between Milan and the goalkeeper's agent, Mino Raiola.

His exit would spark a frantic search for a top replacement and De Gea could prove to be the ideal candidate.

De Gea's wages may prove to be a stumbling block but a guaranteed starting spot could be enticing.

Probability of a move: 6/10

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9440557/Manchester-United-David-Gea-end-summer-linked-exit.html

klub-klub besar seperti Madrid, Barca, Munchen masih setia dengan kiper utamanya dan masih ada kontrak. kemungkinan De Gea akan pindah ke PSG atau Milan (kalo Donnarumma hijrah) atau kembali ke Atletico?

[zudomiriku]

'Has this got to do with his future?': David de Gea sparks concern among Manchester United fans with a cryptic post of Japanese anime character Naruto trying to pull a barbed wire fence out of his way

* David de Gea recently lost his place as Manchester United's No 1 goalkeeper
* Dean Henderson has replaced him between the sticks for Premier League games
* It is not yet known if De Gea will start in goal in United's Europa League final

Goalkeeper David de Gea has sparked intrigue among Manchester United fans with a cryptic post on his Instagram story.

The United stopper has endured a testing few weeks after losing his place as the club's No 1 to Dean Henderson and has been tipped with a departure from Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.

On Monday, De Gea posted a picture of the Japanese animated character Naruto behind a barbed wire fence, trying to pull it out of his way.


David de Gea's latest Instagram post left Manchester United fans pondering a deeper meaning


De Gea recently lost his place as Manchester United's first choice keeper to Dean Henderson. De Gea has had to make do with a place on the United bench for their Premier League matches

It didn't take long for United fans to wonder whether the Spaniard was making a thinly veiled public statement about his future at the club and his feelings about losing his place.

'On @DeGea Instagram story, has this got to do with his future?' asked one supporter, while another said: 'Still my No 1 keeper'.

A different United supporter simply tweeted a screenshot of the post on his story saying 'Dave' with a sad face emoji.

Since losing his spot to Henderson for United's Premier League campaign, De Gea has been used solely for the Europa League.





The Independent recently reported that while this has been a balancing act manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has maintained recently, there is still a chance Henderson could return between the sticks for the Europa League final in Gdansk against Unai Emery's Villarreal later this month.

Furthermore, De Gea has been linked with a move to Roma in the summer, where former United manager Jose Mourinho is taking over once the present season is over.

Mourinho was a shock announcement at the Serie A club last week, with Paolo Fonseca shown the door just days after Roma lost to United 6-2 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Roma won the return leg 3-2 but United advanced into the final with an 6-5 aggregate win.


De Gea played in United's Europa League semi-final but it is yet to be seen if he starts the final

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9562445/Has-got-future-Cryptic-David-Gea-sparks-concern-Man-United-fans.html

semoga De Gea dimainkan sbg kiper utama di final EL nanti, penghormatan dan persembahan terakhir De Gea buat United

[zudomiriku]

David de Gea breaks his silence after Europa League final nightmare as Manchester United goalkeeper insists he will 'fight again and win' and thanks fans for support following missed spot-kick against Villarreal

* Manchester United were stunned after losing Europa League final to Villarreal
* With the game level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, a tense penalty shootout took place
* David de Gea missed his crucial spot-kick to hand the trophy to the LaLiga side
* The goalkeeper has now said he will 'fight again' and thanked fans for support

David de Gea has broken his silence after his nightmare showing in Manchester United's Europa League loss by Villarreal - and said he would 'fight again and win'.

The United goalkeeper was unable to keep out any of Villarreal's 11 penalties in a marathon shootout, with the game having been locked level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, and then saw his crucial spot-kick saved.

His failure to find the net from 12 yards handed the trophy to Villarreal and De Gea cut a deflated and dejected figure when collecting his runners-up medal - which he promptly took off.


David de Gea has broken his silence after Manchester United's Europa League loss to Villarreal. United stopper De Gea, who missed the crucial penalty, insisted he would 'fight again and win'

De Gea's team-mates were quick to rally around the 30-year-old, and the stopper himself has now emerged in bullish spirits, hinting that United would once again challenge for silverware soon.

Taking to social media, De Gea wrote: 'To fall and rise. Learn from the experience, fight again and win. @ManUtd thanks for your support.'

The post was accompanied by a touching photo of De Gea being consoled by legendary former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who travelled with the club to Gdasnk and took part in the medal ceremony.


De Gea's post was accompanied by this touching photo of him alongside Sir Alex Ferguson


United veteran De Gea was consoled by his team-mates after United had lost out in Gdansk

As the fallout to United's shock defeat continues, it has emerged that De Gea went against instructions during the shootout which may have helped him send the cup to Old Trafford instead.

De Gea possesses an abysmal record of saving penalties, and has now conceded the last 40 he has faced in regulation time and shootouts for both United and Spain.

In fact, the last time the keeper stopped a penalty came against Everton in the 2016 FA Cup semi-final, over five years ago. Dean Henderson, his rival for the No 1 jersey, boasts a considerably better track record.

Before the shootout in Poland, De Gea was handed a note by coaches Richard Hartis and Craig Mawson which gave him an indication of where each of the Villarreal takers were expected to send their efforts.

However, De Gea ignored the advice over Moi Gomez, the sixth man to step up, and instead plunged to his left. The penalty was rolled home down the centre of the net.

On two other occasions, De Gea also chose to discard the note - and after sudden death dramatically circled round to the two goalkeepers, it was the United man who didn't convert.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted after the game that he had considered taking off De Gea for Henderson, although United instead brought on Juan Mata and Alex Telles, two renowned spot-kick experts.

'You go through every scenario, of course,' Solskjaer said. 'And it had crossed my mind in the build-up to the game but we were confident in David and prepared.


It has emerged that De Gea went against advice given to him over each of Villarreal's takers


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he considered substituting De Gea off for Dean Henderson

'Anything can happen in a penalty shootout.

'I stuck with the keeper who played all of the game.

'I've got to say the penalty shootout was high quality, but we didn't do enough in the 120 minutes to score more goals and that's the disappointing bit.

'We had pressure, we had moments where we felt if we can just kick on a little bit now we can get a goal. But we just couldn't.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9626507/David-Gea-breaks-silence-Manchester-Uniteds-Europa-League-final-heartbreak.html

sebagai seorang pemain futsal yg biasanya bermain sebagai kiper, saya tau bagaimana perasaaan seorang De Gea, dalam permainan futsal, gawang kebobolan dan tim kalah itu 'ditanggung' seorang kiper, namun jika menang biasanya striker atau pencetak gol yg lebih dipuji. dalam adu penalti, diantara 2 kiper tsb pasti ada yg menjadi pahlawan atau penyakitan, sayangnya De Gea menjadi yg kedua, terlepas dari rekor menepis penalti dia yg buruk. awalnya saya berpikir jika United menang dan De Gea menjadi pahlawan bisa jadi dia yg dipertahankan, namun setelah malam final tsb sepertinya final EL akan menjadi pertandingan terakhir bagi De Gea, terlebih gajinya yg paling tinggi 350rb per pekan. gosipnya United sudah menawarkan gaji 400rb per pekan kepada Kane, jika akhirnya Kane bergabung dan De Gea bertahan rasanya sulit karena United tentu akan mengetatkan keuangan terlebih imbas pandemi. rasanya gak tega melihat 'pertandingan terakhir' De Gea harus diakhiri dengan kekalahan dan dia yg harus jadi 'biang kekalahan'

[zudomiriku]

Manchester United's defence is branded 'softer than a MUFFIN' by David de Gea's former coach, who pins blame for goalkeeper's poor form on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 'tactical organisation'

* David De Gea's former goalkeeping coach has had a lot to say this week
* Gabino Rodriguez, who worked with De Gea at Spain U21 level, has defended him
* De Gea finished the season poorly and was to blame in the Europa League final
* Rodriguez blames Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and United being 'softer than a muffin'

David De Gea's former goalkeeping coach has launched an extraordinary attack on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Manchester United team, in defence of the Spanish goalkeeper.

De Gea has come under fire for several weeks, after losing his place in the United senior team before taking back between the sticks for the Europa League final but failing to save a single penalty in a tense shootout.

It was then De Gea who would miss the crucial penalty against Villarreal after all on-field takers had been exhausted, and the criticism has poured in ever since regarding the Spaniard's future in the side.


David De Gea has received an impassioned defence from his former coach Gabino Rodriguez. Rodriguez says 'the big problem is Solskjaer’s tactical organisation' and not De Gea's form

Now, Gabino Rodriguez, who worked with De Gea as his coach at Spain U21 level, says the blame rests purely with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's tactics and a poor defence which is not adequately protecting the goalkeeper.


Speaking to the Sun, Rodriguez said: 'I always believe the team is a true reflection of the character of its coach. Look at the one led by Sir Alex Ferguson and that would show no mercy.

'Ole’s team is softer than a muffin and David is suffering the consequences of the defensive frailties.


He went on to add his view that United have 'defensive frailties' and 'are softer than a muffin'. In a parting blow, Rodriguez added that he sees striker Edinson Cavani as the best defenders

'You need to protect your best asset in the team, but there is just an uncontrolled mess between midfield and defence with gaps.

'Basically Ole’s team has a brutal defensive weakness. The two centre-backs are too slow, they are not commanding and other teams are well aware of it.

'The big problem is Solskjaer’s tactical organisation. United’s defensive deficiencies are undervaluing De Gea and Ole just doesn’t convince me.'

Rodriguez went on to highlight how the team of present say is much different to that of the iconic sides of yesteryear, in that it is lacking players of grit and determination.

In a parting blow to United, Rodriguez went on to highlight how he sees veteran striker Edinson Cavani as the best defender at the club, despite the tens of millions Solskjaer has spent on his back line and the world record acquisition of Harry Maguire.

Rodriguez added: 'In the old days, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes not only dictated games, but did the dirty work and were the defensive backbone.

'In Ole’s team, Edinson Cavani is the best defender!'

De Gea has been linked with moves back to Spain this summer, along with reported interest from Paris Saint Germain.

The 30-year-old is United's top earner star, believed to pocket in the region of £19.5million per year.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9657321/Man-United-defence-branded-softer-muffin-David-Geas-former-coach.html

[zudomiriku]

Howlers, heroics and THAT dodgy fax machine: It has been a whirlwind 10 years for David de Gea at Manchester United... and as the Spaniard reaches a decade at Old Trafford, it is anyone's guess where his Red Devils career goes from here

* David de Gea has reached his ten-year anniversary at Manchester United
* The Spaniard joined as a 19-year-old for £18.9m from Atletico Madrid in 2011
* Despite a shaky start, De Gea had the full backing of boss Sir Alex Ferguson
* De Gea has flourished at Utd and was on the cusp of joining Real Madrid in 2015
* However, since the 2018 World Cup the Spaniard has been on a steady decline

Ten years with one club is some stint in the modern era. For David de Gea, he will reflect on his milestone with Manchester United as a journey containing a number of highs and lows.

Given the magnitude of the club and its demanding fan base, there will never be a low-profile United signing, and when De Gea joined in 2011 it is fair to say the young Spaniard was thrown in the deep end by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Aged just 19 and following in the footsteps of Edwin van der Sar - the club's second greatest goalkeeper in the Premier League era, De Gea had big boots to fill.


It has been a whirlwind ten years for David de Gea as he reaches a major milestone at United. De Gea was signed by United at 19 with Sir Alex Ferguson seeing him as a star of the future

Yet Fergie was adamant that the Spaniard had everything needed to be a United goalkeeper, a contention that was cemented after paying De Gea a visit while at Atletico Madrid.

'I can only remember Sir Alex Ferguson missing two United matches. He missed a Manchester derby in 2000 for his son's wedding. The other time? To scout the brilliant David de Gea,' United's goalkeeping coach wrote for Sportsmail.

'I was convinced that a 19-year-old De Gea was the right man to replace him. I showed a three-minute DVD compilation to Sir Alex and then we went to watch him play for Atletico Madrid at Valencia on the night United played Scunthorpe in the League Cup.

'Sir Alex knew he was the right signing inside 65 minutes. David showed composure, concentration and reflexes. He made one terrific save that went through a load of bodies.'


Former United coach Eric Steele said he and Fergie knew they had come across a future star

For De Gea, it was a dream come true to already be on the radar of one of world football's biggest clubs, and he was under no illusion with the task at hand.

'I recall reading about United's interest and I didn't believe it at first,' De Gea told Sportsmail in 2017.

'They wanted a replacement for Van der Sar, a 40-year-old who had such experience, and there was me - just a kid. We knew there would be challenges.'

And challenges there were. While a technically excellent goalkeeper, De Gea initially struggled with the physicality of the Premier League and was frequently targeted by stronger centre forwards during his debut season, leading to a handful of high-profile errors.


However, De Gea struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League in his first season. The Spaniard was sidelined for seven of eight league games in the New Year by Ferguson

Ferguson dropped De Gea over the New Year and the Spaniard was sidelined for seven of the following eight league games. However, the Scot turned to De Gea for United's visit to Stamford Bridge.

Despite shipping three goals in a 3-3 draw, it was De Gea's performance against Chelsea that kickstarted his career. The Spaniard made an exceptional save to deny Juan Mata from a free kick late on to protect a point for the Red Devils.

'It (the 3-3 draw against Chelsea) might have been the defining moment of my United career. From there, it got better and better. Juan is still p***** off about that one,' De Gea reflected in our exclusive interview.

De Gea had appeared to settle between the sticks at United, until pressure was heaped back on his shoulders following an error at Spurs. The Spaniard had performed well at White Hart Lane but a lapse in concentration was punished and De Gea came in for criticism from former United star Gary Neville, who had taken up punditry duties with Sky Sports.


A starring performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2012 kickstarted his United life


De Gea says that Juan Mata has never forgiven him for saving his stunning free kick attempt

'Sir Alex Ferguson has had the Gerard Pique experience, who was a young player who went back to Spain [and was a success at Barcelona],' Neville said on Monday Night Football.

'I've no doubts that David De Gea can be a top goalkeeper, one of the best in the world. He's physically going to mature in the next 18 months and he needs a championship.

'If he wasn't to win the championship this year and things like this continue to happen it would be painful for him. That's where there would be problems.

'He played well yesterday [at Spurs], but playing well for 92-and-a-half minutes and then doing that in the 93rd is a problem at a club like that.'

The Spurs error was a moment where the tide turned for De Gea, who recalled how a public show of support from Ferguson in front of the Spanish press was the confidence boost he needed.

'The second big moment was midway through my second season. I had been under pressure after a game at Spurs, where Gary Neville criticised me.


A strong public backing from Ferguson in front of Spanish press was a confidence booster. De Gea went on to win the Premier League title in Ferguson's final season in charge

'I made a mistake late on but I'd made a hatful of brilliant saves that day. It doesn't bother me. Neville was right about the error. It was snowing and I misjudged a cross.

'Not long after, we were playing at Real Madrid. Ferguson brought me into the press conference in the Bernabeu. He told everyone, the British media, the Spanish media, that I had a special talent.

'I remember what he said exactly. He compared me to a toddler taking their first steps forward. You wobble, get up, wobble, get up again and then you walk.

'Ferguson ended that press conference saying, 'The boy is walking now'. Ferguson sat next to me and told the world how much he believed in me. I felt emboldened. Ferguson was very patient with me. He did not shout and was never too harsh. He knew I needed time and trust.'

From that point, De Gea flourished. He ended the season a Premier League champion and Ferguson, who had done so much to protect and nurture his young goalkeeper, retired from football.

The Scot's departure from United has seen the club lurch from one managerial disaster to another, with David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho all trying and failing to get United back to the top of the tree.

De Gea has remained the bedrock at the heart of United's defence, head and shoulders the best player in the post-Ferguson era. From 2013 to 2018, the Spaniard was named in the PFA Team of the Year five times.


Since the Scot's retirement, De Gea has been the standout performer for Manchester United. He emerged as the world's best stopper in 2015 and attracted interest from Real Madrid

And it was midway through that spell of dominance that De Gea's head was turned by a European heavyweight. By 2015, the Spaniard was comfortably the best goalkeeper in world football and for Real Madrid, only the best will do.

De Gea appeared on the verge of returning to his home country only for a farcical admin error - in which a fax machine failed to work properly - prevented him from moving to the Bernabeu.

The episode left then-manager Van Gaal unwilling to welcome De Gea back with open arms. The stubborn Dutchman informed the press that his No 1 keeper had refused to play until the matter was resolved - a stance that De Gea denies taking - and he was dropped for the opening two games of the season.

Van Gaal turned to De Gea for United's crunch derby clash with Liverpool, a game where the Spaniard admits he was apprehensive.


However, a dodgy fax machine meant that a move to Madrid fell through in dramatic fashion. Former United boss Louis Van Gaal told the press De Gea was refusing to play for United. But the Spaniard won the support of the fans and did not let the Madrid farce affect his form

'My first game back was at Old Trafford against Liverpool. Louis (Van Gaal) had said what he said. The truth is, I wasn't sure how Old Trafford would react to me,' he said.

'I was nervous walking out that day. They have always been behind me but I did wonder that day. As it transpired, they were amazing. Everyone was singing my name. It was important for me.'

With the United fans in full support of their star man, De Gea picked up from where he left off before the Madrid debacle, and was named the club's Player of the Year in back-to-back campaigns. In total, De Gea won the award four times over five seasons, indicative of the Spaniard's knack for getting United out of jail.

'Player of the Year, I would say David de Gea. Even if a goalkeeper shouldn't get Player of the Year!' Zlatan Ibrahimovic reflected in 2018.

'But he has had a fantastic year, like every other year. He continues that high level of performance, so that is my vote.'

However, the summer of 2018 saw a sea change in De Gea's trajectory. While England were dreaming of lifting the World Cup for the first time since 1966, the Spaniard endured a torrid tournament with his country.

De Gea was at fault during Spain's thrilling 3-3 draw against Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo put three in the Spanish net, one of which wriggled past De Gea when he ought to have saved comfortably.

The United keeper was unable to save his country during a tense penalty shootout against Russia, who secured a famous last-16 victory to send the 2010 winners home in Moscow.

From there, De Gea's performances have declined. The Spaniard was left red-faced when he conceded a howler to Ismail Sarr at Watford, before Roy Keane went on a furious tirade against the keeper after poor keeping against Tottenham last June.


But the summer of 2018 was a bad one for De Gea, who had a torrid World Cup with Spain. He conceded a howler to Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain lost out on penalties to Russia

'I'm sick to death of this goalkeeper,' he said in a stinging rebuke. 'This is an established international goalkeeper. I'm flabbergasted. There's got to be something going on at half-time.

'Maguire and De Gea, I wouldn't let them on the bus after the match, let them get a taxi back to Manchester. De Gea is the most overrated goalkeeper I've seen in a long, long time.'

This season has seen the first signs that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may be getting cold feet with the established No 1. The birth of De Gea's child saw Solskjaer offer back-up goalkeeper Dean Henderson a chance between the sticks, an opportunity the Englishman has seized.


Last year, Roy Keane launched a stinging attack on De Gea after he made an error at Spurs. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown cold feet with De Gea and favoured Dean Henderson of late. Where De Gea's Old Trafford future lies is anyone's guess, but it has been some ten years

The United fanbase has been torn over who should be the No 1 long term, but Solskjaer trusted De Gea for the Europa League final. However the Spaniard had a night to forget as he failed to save any of Villarreal's 11 penalties before missing his spot kick to hand Unai Emery's side the title.

Perhaps most indicative of De Gea's decline is the fact that Unai Simon has ousted him as No 1 for Spain at the Euros. The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has just 11 caps to his name but has won the trust of Luis Enrique over the United stopper.

'He has been fantastic David – since I have been here I have enjoyed working with him,' Solskjaer said of De Gea earlier this season.

'How long he will be able to stay at the top is just up to him because it's a pleasure to watch him being humble enough to work hard with coaches, Richard [Hartis] and Craig [Mawson], and the other goalkeepers.'

It has been a whirlwind decade for United's standout performer. Where De Gea's Old Trafford career goes from here is anyone's guess.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9741003/David-Geas-whirlwind-decade-Manchester-United-Howlers-heroics-dodgy-fax-machine.html

[zudomiriku]

David De Gea cuts holiday SHORT as Spaniard plots to wrestle Manchester United's No 1 spot back from Dean Henderson with his career on the brink after miserable 12 months

* David De Gea faces a big season after losing his spot at Manchester United
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer favoured Dean Henderson late in the 2020-21 season
* De Gea was also benched at Euro 2020 as Spain reached the semi-finals
* The keeper has now returned early for pre-season, aiming to get back to his best

David De Gea has decided enough is enough, returning from his holiday early to get stuck into pre-season training as he aims to put his career back on track.

The Spaniard's stock has taken a dramatic dive in the last 12 months, losing his spot between the sticks to Dean Henderson at Old Trafford after a miserable, mistake-ridden 2020-21 season.

De Gea couldn't even get off the bench at Euro 2020, with Luis Enrique preferring Unai Simon as Spain reached the semi-finals this summer.


David De Gea has returned for Manchester United's pre-season training early after his holiday. The keeper endured a woeful season and was benched for Dean Henderson in the league

The 30-year-old was only expected back in the north-west of England in early August but is already back at Carrington after just two weeks of holiday.

'David wants to be back and sharp. He could have taken it easy for three weeks but he also knows Hendo is equally determined to prove himself to Ole,' an insider at United told the Sun.

Henderson had to watch from the sofa as England stormed to the Euros final this summer, having suffered a hip injury just days before the tournament.

The 24-year-old is already back in training ahead of the new season – likely the key factor in De Gea's decision to forgo a few more weeks of holiday.


Henderson (second from left) is already back in training after suffering a hip injury in June

De Gea will be keen to impress Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and nail-down the starting spot for the opening game against Leeds United.

The Spaniard was a long way off his best last season, which culminated in a nightmare penalty shoot-out in the Europa League final.

He failed to stop a single one of Villarreal's 11 spot-kicks before missing his own, handing the trophy to the La Liga side.

De Gea will be keen to play a key role this season with United strengthening for a title challenge. They've signed Jadon Sancho and are closing-in on Raphael Varane, two men that could be the missing pieces of the puzzle.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9798821/David-Gea-cuts-holiday-SHORT-plot-wrestle-Man-Uniteds-No-1-spot-Dean-Henderson.html

[zudomiriku]

I'm here to stay! David de Gea insists he has 'many years' ahead of him at Manchester United as goalkeeper lays down the gauntlet to rival Dean Henderson for No 1 spot ahead of the new campaign

* David de Gea has insisted that his long-term future is at Manchester United
* The goalkeeper has faced criticism for a dip in performances in recent years
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for Dean Henderson towards the end of last season
* However, the Spaniard is adamant that his future remains at Old Trafford

David de Gea has insisted that he has 'a lot of years ahead' at Manchester United as the Spanish stopper laid down the gauntlet to Dean Henderson in the pair's battle for No 1 status at Old Trafford.

De Gea has long been United's top goalkeeper, with the former Atletico Madrid man emerging as one of the world's top stoppers during his 10-year stay with the Red Devils.

However, inconsistent performances in recent seasons has seen the Spaniard's stock fall, leading to calls for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ponder changing his man between the sticks.


David de Gea insists that his long-term future remains at Old Trafford amid an uncertain spell

And the Norwegian responded to those calls last campaign, with Henderson enjoying a run in the team onset by De Gea's return to Spain for the birth of his child.

Henderson's positive displays for United have seen De Gea's future at Old Trafford scrutinised, with reports emerging that the club's hierarchy now regretting handing the goalkeeper a bumper £375,000 a week deal in 2019.

Yet De Gea - who returned to pre-season training early to set his stall out for a big campaign - maintains that his future remains at United.

'It's been a lot of years at the club and a great source of pride for me to have been able to play for a club like Manchester United for so many seasons now,' De Gea told the club's official website on his 10-year milestone.


The Spaniard has been locked in a battle for the No 1 position with keeper Dean Henderson. However, De Gea views 'many years ahead' for himself with the Premier League club. All eyes will be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he decides who will be his No 1 this season

'But you have to live in the present, I think I still have a lot of years ahead of me at the club, I’m excited about that, feeling strong and I’m very keen to do well.

'I feel great in myself, high in confidence and I think it should be - and has to be - an important season for all of us.'

United have enjoyed a strong summer, with the club finally landing long-term target Jadon Sancho in a £73million deal, while Raphael Varane is on the verge of concluding his £42m switch from Real Madrid.

De Gea is expected to start United's opening game of the season against Leeds United, with Henderson still not fully fit having contracted coronavirus.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9881791/David-Gea-insists-years-ahead-Manchester-United.html