Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea Hints at Stay Amid Madrid Rumours

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has hinted he wants to stay on at Old Trafford despite links to Real Madrid. 

Ahead of United's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday, De Gea expressed his belief that a victory could push the Red Devils on to greater things, a possible indication he is in it for the long haul at Old Trafford, per Jamie Styles in the Daily Star: "We've had a couple of difficult seasons so we are really determined to win the cup. And winning it could provide us with that extra belief and motivation to hopefully go on and achieve great things."

A potential move to Real collapsed on deadline day last summer, but he has continued to be linked with the Primera Division giants as United have struggled under manager Louis van Gaal of late, per Tomas Roncero of AS.

Indeed, Bleacher Report's Dean Jones previously indicated De Gea would likely leave Old Trafford should the Dutchman stay on as manager:

He deserves to be playing in a better side than the current United outfit, who will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season.

The 25-year-old is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, and were it not for his consistent heroics between the posts, United would have finished much further down the Premier League table in the past few seasons.

As team-mate Juan Mata noted, he saves United points on a regular basis, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

Given how United have fallen since De Gea's arrival under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011, it would be little surprise if he were to seek out a club with a better chance of achieving loftier ambitions.

However, the appointment of Jose Mourinho—widely tipped to take over from Van Gaal as United manager in the summer—could persuade him to stay on, per the Telegraph's James Ducker:

It seems clear the Spain international wants to succeed with United, hence his eagerness to win the FA Cup and kick on from there.

If Van Gaal stays on as manager to the end of his contract next season, though, De Gea may well decide it is time for him to go, as United under the Dutchman have shown little indication of ever being Premier League title challengers again.