David’s a Keeper while a move for Verratti stalls

DAVID’S A KEEPER

Jose Mourinho put end all speculation with regards to David De Gea’s future and said that the shot stopper will stay at United for another season. De Gea has been linked to Real Madrid for quite some time. Mourinho said: “I can guarantee he’s not going this season, that I can. My feeling is it will be very difficult for him to go. He was contacted for a long time, the club was closed, then we opened, because I always have this feeling when a player has a desire to go, I don’t like to stop them because, in the end, you don’t get what you expect. So we opened it and then I decided to close, and the feeling from him is really, really good, I see him happy and 100 per cent he stays with us.”

BEST IN THE WORLD

Ander Herrera was full of praise for De Gea in his recent comments. Herrera who is a close friend of his fellow countryman, said: “For me, he’s the best in the world, so I want to keep him here at United. You don’t want to lose the top three in any position, like David is, like [Paul] Pogba is, like [Romelu] Lukaku is, like Marcus [Rashford] can be. We want to keep them. He is a goalkeeper who can give you points. That is very important.’

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II

Mourinho claimed that his side were never in the running to sign Gareth Bale despite media reports saying otherwise. When questioned about his side’s interest in Bale, Mourinho said: “No. No, because you have contacts, you have feelings, you understand things, I think it was clear that Bale likes Madrid, likes the challenge, likes the situation. He’s in a club that’s in a very good situation now. I never felt a desire from him to leave, so why lose time and energy on that? No.”

VERRATTI DEAL STALLED

A move for Marco Verratti has reportedly stalled after PSG asked Anthony Martial to be involved in any deal. United are unwilling to part with Martial and PSG’s demands could result in the potential move falling through. Verratti and Matic top the list of defensive midfield targets wanted by Jose.

NEW CONTRACT TIME

Juan Mata is expected to sign a new contract at Old Trafford in the coming days. Mata’s current deal expires next summer and he was one of the key players in United’s run to three trophies last campaign. Both parties are expected to sit down for negotiations soon. United also have the option of triggering an extension to his current contract by an additional year (up to 2019).

TOUR UPDATE

Manchester United will face Real Madrid later tonight in their fourth pre-season friendly. Kickoff is at 9 pm BST. The match is part of the International Champions Cup.