De Gea keeps Valdes in the dark over Madrid move

Manchester United's goalkeeper David De Gea. Picture: AP

De Gea could have played his last match for United after he hobbled off with a hamstring injury in the 74th minute of their 1-1 draw against Arsenal on  Sunday. Valdes came on to make his United debut in De Gea’s place and is likely to retain the gloves for the final match of the season at Hull next weekend.

Having spent 12 years in Barcelona battling against Real Madrid, Valdes knows all about the strengths of last year’s Champions League winners. But, although he regards Madrid as one of the biggest clubs in the world, Valdes is in the dark over whether his compatriot will be heading to the Spanish capital.

“Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are three of the biggest clubs in the world,” said the United goalkeeper.

“Everyone in the world wants to play for these clubs. It’s a question you would have to put to David. I cannot answer for him. I don’t know [if he is leaving].”

Valdes picked the ball out of the net eight minutes into his United debut after Theo Walcott’s cross flicked off Tyler Blackett and went in.

It was an unfortunate way to return to action after 14 months on the sidelines.

Following his comeback from a serious knee injury, Van Gaal – the man who handed De Gea his debut at Barcelona – offered the goalkeeper a chance to train with United and in January, he signed an 18-month contract at Old Trafford. Until Sunday, Valdes’s only appearance in a United shirt had come for the under-21 side. The 33-year-old insists he has enjoyed his time at the club since signing in January, though.

“It’s been good, all good,” the three-time Champions League winner said. “I am very happy to be here. I have one more year on my contract here. Let’s see what happens.”

Despite sustained chants of “David de Gea, we want you to stay”, the United fans gave their new goalkeeper a good welcome when he took to the field on Sunday. The Spaniard appreciated the gesture and is keen to repay the supporters after what was an unexpected debut.

“It felt very good. It all went very quick. David asked to come off very quickly and the next thing I knew I was on,” Valdes said. “It was a great feeling to be on the pitch at Old Trafford, the fans welcomed me very well and for that reason I am happy.

“I wasn’t happy with the result because it was a lucky goal for them. But I’m happy I made my debut. To come on and be welcomed like that is incredible for a footballer. They are an incredible group of fans.”

The result means Arsenal are all but guaranteed to finish third and gain direct entry into the Champions League. United will have to go through a play-off to make the group stages. Potential opponents include Monaco, Lazio or Sporting Lisbon.

Champions League qualification was Van Gaal’s target this year, but Ashley Young thinks United will be challenging for the title next term.

“As a club, we always want to finish as high as possible,” the winger told MUTV.

“It looks like we’ll finish fourth and have to go into the last game and get the three points. Then we’ll dust ourselves down in the summer and come back. We want to bring Champions League nights back to Old Trafford – they’re fantastic.”