Jose Mourinho Reportedly Unhappy with David De Gea Since the International Break

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is said to be unhappy with the recent displays of starting goalkeeper David De Gea. 

That’s according to Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, who stated that Mourinho has not been pleased with the fitness nor the form of the Spaniard since the previous international break.

"The Spaniard almost gifted West Brom a goal when he spilled Darren Fletcher's hopeful effort against the bar, and was then criticised for not being more assertive when Phil Jagielka scored from close range for Everton last week," said Wheeler.

As noted by Kris Voakes of Goal, De Gea was dropped by former manager Louis van Gaal at the start of last season, although he’s been a consistent presence in the Premier League since:

Mourinho went with Romero on Sunday as United made the trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland, and the Argentina international was assured in a 3-0 win. As noted by Wheeler, the United boss suggested that De Gea had picked up a hip problem.

The Portuguese also praised De Gea’s deputy for his efforts, suggesting that "every time Romero plays, he plays so well," per Wheeler.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

It looks as though Romero will have another chance to impress against Anderlecht in a competition that’s looking increasingly like United’s priority in the final weeks of the season. The Red Devils are down in fifth place in the Premier League and will hope to secure their passage into next season’s UEFA Champions League by winning the Europa League.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News praised the development of the 30-year-old under Mourinho:

It’ll be fascinating to see how Mourinho handles this situation going forward, though, especially once De Gea regains full fitness.

The United manager has shown during his time at the club he’s not one to shirk big decisions, and regardless of De Gea’s reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Mourinho wouldn’t hesitate to drop him if he felt it was to the benefit of the team.

That’d be unlikely to quell speculation linking the Spaniard with a move away from Old Trafford this summer. According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Real Madrid will push hard to bring De Gea to the Spanish capital.

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available. 

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