Manchester United don't need Champions League to keep De Gea – Van Gaal

The Spaniard has just over a year left to run on his deal at Old Trafford but the Dutchman does not believe a top-four finish is the key to persuading the shot-stopper to stay


Manchester United do not need Champions League football to keep contract rebel David De Gea, according to boss Louis van Gaal.

De Gea has just over a year left to run on the five-year deal he signed when arriving from Atletico Madrid in an £18.9 million (€20m) deal in the summer of 2011 and has so far stalled on agreeing an extension.

Recent wins over Tottenham and Liverpool have left United well placed to secure Champions League qualification but Van Gaal does not believe this is the key to retaining De Gea, who is attracting interest from Real Madrid.

“I don’t think you have to ask that question to me,” the Dutchman told reporters. “You have to ask David De Gea. We have a number of very good players.

“All the national coaches are confirming that because they are asking the players of ours. I don’t think that’s the problem.”

Madrid have been repeatedly linked with a move for De Gea given the uncertainty surrounding Iker Casillas’ future at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *