Something strange going on with United’s ‘keepers

Manchester United ‘keeper David de Gea seems to be out-of-favour with boss Louis van Gaal

It seems there is something strange going on at Manchester United when it comes to goalkeepers.

United boss Louis van Gaal is known as a guy who could cause an argument in an empty room, but the last few months it seems he has singled out his goalkeepers for frosty treatment.

Out

First we had the Victor Valdes saga, when the former-Barcelona ‘keeper reportedly fell out-of-favour after refusing to play in a reserve game, which was an allegation that Valdes himself denied.

Valdes was left out of United’s tour of America and was not even on the bench for the Red Devil’s opening day 1-0 victory over Tottenham at Old Trafford. What has really gone on we will probably never know, but it looks like Valdes short United career may be over before it has even started.

Out too

Another United ‘keeper who needs a blanket because he’s been left in the cold is highly-rated Spanish international David de Gea. The Real Madrid target was reportedly not focused enough to take his place in the starting line-up to face Spurs. Reports suggested that he was fine to play.

Argentinian stopper Sergio Romero was preferred to De Gea and the Spaniard was not even named on the bench either.

De Gea not being selected is maybe slightly more understandable considering that he has been linked with a move away from the club for most of the summer. The 24-year-olds contract with United expires next summer. It seems that either way De Gea has no future with the Red Devils.

Despite being dropped for the weekend victory over Spurs, De Gea has been named in United’s squad for their Champions League qualifying tie against Club Brugge.

The sight of the two ‘keepers sitting in the stand alongside each other in their Manchester United suits was a strange one on the opening weekend of the season.

Unlikely

It now seems unlikely that that De Gea will leave United this summer, unless the Red Devils receive an extraordinary offer, which is unlikely as he will be a free agent next summer.

That means that United will lose out on a fee for De Gea and could potentially be left out of the starting line-up for the rest of the campaign. It would make sense for United to keep him if he is going to play and help them in their goals.

However if Van Gaal and United stubbornly stick to their current tactic of leaving him out of the team they are just paying him wages for no reason and he will leave on a free transfer next summer anyway.

Capable

New signing Sergio Romero is experienced enough and seems capable enough, but it would be hard to argue that he was in the same league as De Gea when it came to goalkeeping ability.

United boss Louis van Gaal is obviously trying to take a hard line stance on De Gea because the ‘keeper wants to leave the club and there is very little he can do about it.

Inevitable

It now almost seems inevitable that David de Gea will become a Real Madrid player at some point. It is looking more likely that he will have to wait until next summer now, unless Los Blancos cough-up a world-record fee for a ‘keeper, which simply is not going to happen.

Questioned

The biggest concern for United at the moment will be if Van Gaal considers Sergio Romero good enough quality to be long-term number one at Old Trafford. If the Dutchman does not then he may have to delve into the transfer market once again this summer to sign a new ‘keeper.

Return

De Gea may make a return to the starting line-up in the near future and he could have a crucial part to play for United this season, even if his exit next summer is inevitable.

David de Gea is by far the most talented ‘keeper in the United squad and if he does stay then Louis van Gaal has to make the most of his ability while they still can.

Should Manchester United sell David de Gea this summer?