Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Fabio Coentrao, David De Gea Rumours

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has been assured of his long-term future at the club, with a Red Devils source rubbishing reports of a move for out-of-favour Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao.

As reported by Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star, news of United’s apparent pursuit of the Portuguese player has prompted doubts over Shaw’s position at Old Trafford.

But citing a “club source,” it is claimed the Red Devils have massive faith in the England man’s ability and little interest in pursuing a deal for Coentrao:

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Luke has had some bad luck with injuries this season, but he is still expected to go on and become a hugely influential and important member of the team for a long time.

Fabio Coentrao is not someone the club has an interest in signing.

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As noted by Cross, United have come close to landing the Portuguese player before and if the deal were to be done, he’d be a fine capture. Coentrao is an effervescent influence on the left side, mixing defensive studiousness with an attacking incision superbly. He’s a versatile talent, too, capable of playing anywhere on the flank and even in central midfield.

It’s a signing that wouldn’t plunge Shaw’s United future into doubt either. It’s imperative Louis van Gaal continues to build a squad capable of challenging for honours, and strength in depth will be absolutely vital, especially if the club are in the Champions League next season.

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For the former Southampton man it’s been a tough season, but he showed enough quality throughout the 2013/14 campaign—following which he was named in the PFA team of the year—to prove emphatically that he’s going to be a top-class player, per WhoScored.com:

After moving to a club as massive as United at such a young age with the pressure of an enormous fee, this was a transitional phase in Shaw’s career that was never going to be completely seamless. But after nearly a season under his belt at the Old Trafford club, expect more vibrant displays next season comparable to the ones that instigated the Red Devils to spend big on Shaw last summer.

David de Gea Issues “Ultimatum”

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United’s star performer David de Gea has insisted it is imperative the club qualify for the Champions League next season amid reported lingering interest from Real Madrid, per David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror:

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We have to qualify for the Champions League no matter what.

We already missed out last season, and a team like Manchester United cannot do that two years in a row.

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As noted by McDonnell, it’s a claim that could be considered an "ultimatum" and even a “veiled threat” to the Red Devils hierarchy. While United are currently in fourth place and playing well, a spot among European football’s elite is far from guaranteed for next season.

De Gea has been doing his bit to ensure United do get there with a string of sensational performances so far this season. But with no new contract in sight and Los Blancos apparently looking for a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas, per McDonnell’s piece, rumours are rife about a potential switch back to Spain for the former Atletico Madrid man.

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As we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, De Gea has blossomed into a commanding presence for the Red Devils:

The No. 1’s deputy is former Barcelona stopper Victor Valdes and should De Gea leave the club this summer, United supporters can have peace of mind in that they have a quality alternative to step in between the sticks.

The former Blaugrana star seems to be loving life at Old Trafford too, per Colin Harvey of the Daily Star:

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I am very happy for this option in my career after my injury.

I never thought maybe I will be a player of Manchester United but the manager called me and gave me this option, so it was a surprise for me.

I always say it’s great for my career to be a part of this club and part of this team and, maybe, I hope to win another important trophy here too.

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It’d be a major wrench to see De Gea leave for Real, but with no movement on a contract extension and his current deal set to expire at the end of next season, the situation is becoming increasingly critical. Should United receive a sizeable offer from the European champions this summer, it’s something they’d surely have to consider seriously.

Valdes is a man who could potentially fill the void, though. While we’ve yet to see much of him in United colours, the Catalan is immensely experienced, an unflappable presence and an excellent leader at the back. His influence would certainly help soften the blow should De Gea walk away.