What now for David De Gea? Will he play for Manchester United after Real Madrid transfer collapses?
The Spain international's move to Real Madrid if off
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David De Gea's proposed move from Manchester United to Real Madrid collapsed last night after the requisite paperwork surrounding the deal failed to be logged with the relevant authorities in time.
Who was to blame for the failure of the move is still being apportioned.
There are suggestions that a deal might still be possible with both clubs reportedly ready to ask Fifa to ratify the transfer. Whether football's world governing body would agree is unclear.
But what now for De Gea if he stays?
The goalkeeper is yet to play any part for Manchester United this season amid the uncertainty over his future.
Louis van Gaal explained that he felt De Gea was incapable of concentrating amid all the interest.
"We decided together - David and the staff - to take the decision not to play because a goalkeeper is more concentration and focus," the Manchester United manager explained.
"He maybe gets only four or five times that he has to save an attack, and of course a lot of building up play, but it's more focus and concentration."
It was reported later that De Gea wanted to be considered for action and was ready to play. However, Van Gaal refused to budge over his stance and summer signing Sergio Romero has played in goal for every match of United's season so far.
With the saga seemingly over - at least until the next transfer window in January - Van Gaal can now climb down from his tough stance and opt to select De Gea on the grounds that the player can turn his focus back on Manchester United.
However, how De Gea reacts to the collapsed transfer could prove pivotal to whether or not he features. Should he blame his current club for his proposed return to Spain falling through, he may make himself unselectable.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments