Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea Comments on Failed Madrid Move

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has spoken out about the collapse of his proposed transfer to Real Madrid, insisting he is “relaxed” about the situation as he looks to get his season underway in earnest with the Red Devils.

De Gea played his first competitive game of the campaign on Tuesday, keeping a clean sheet for Spain in a 1-0 win over Macedonia. Afterward, reporters asked how he felt in the wake of the transfer saga, per Marca: "I'm happy. I am relaxed about things, and I will go on working hard and improving and enjoying my football.”

The goalkeeper also revealed he was happy to get minutes under his belt after his switch to the Primera Division giants fell through, per the aforementioned piece:

"

I felt good out there. I really wanted to play the game. Now I have to keep working hard and let's see if I have the same luck with my club.

We got the three points with a good goal from Juan Mata. I am just happy to have played. I wanted to play. I am very grateful to my team-mates, who have been superb, and to the manager.

"

MIGUEL RIOPA/Getty Images

After getting some playing time with Spain, focus now turns to United’s upcoming clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday. According to Richard Arrowsmith of the MailOnline, De Gea, who has been dropped by Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal for United's first six games of the season, could go straight back into the XI after featuring for the national side.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Freelance football writer Liam Canning isn’t quite so sure the Dutchman will reintroduce the club’s two-time Player of the Year immediately, though:

Juan Mata, a team-mate at club and international level, doesn’t foresee any kinds of issues should De Gea be brought back into the team, telling EFE (h/t Arrowsmith’s piece):

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I don't think there is going to be any type of problem upon his return either from the club or the coach or the fans. This is what I perceive. The fans love him a lot, he is very well considered by the club and by the coach. I believe everything will continue to be the same.

"

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

If United harbour serious ambitions of a Premier League title challenge this season, then De Gea’s form will be key. Sergio Romero has taken his place in goal so far, and while the Argentina international began quite well, he struggled during the 2-1 loss to Swansea City last time out, in which he could have done better for both goals.

Indeed, Alex Shaw of ESPN thinks it is imperative the Red Devils and De Gea move on from this sorry episode for the good of both parties:

There will be further speculation about De Gea’s future over the coming months, but with the transfer window shut and international commitments done, now is the time for the Spaniard to focus on getting back between the sticks for United once again.

Of course, De Gea will have been bitterly disappointed to see his move to Real fall through and could eventually end up at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. But fundamentally, he’s a footballer. And footballers, in the main, want to get out on the pitch and play football, not sit in the stands. Therefore, the sooner his reintegration into this Red Devils side begins, the better for all concerned.