Man United: Alan McInally blasts David De Gea transfer saga as ‘utter joke’

Alan McInally has branded the David de Gea transfer saga a “joke” after the Manchester United goalkeeper’s move to Real Madrid fell through last night.

Reports claim that the two clubs submitted paperwork to the Spanish authorities at 11:01BST, missing the La Liga transfer deadline by one minute and therefore voiding the transfer that has reportedly been in the pipeline all summer.

Now the situation comes where his transfer to one of the biggest clubs in the world has fallen through. It’s a complete and utter joke, I just don’t get it

Alan McInally

McInally told Sky Sports News’ deadline day coverage that he thinks de Gea’s time at Old Trafford will be soured by the nature of the lingering turmoil.

“What a joke this is. De Gea has been put in an unbelievably difficult position,” McInally.

“Every time he touches the ball, when (Louis) Van Gaal decides to play him, are they (fans) going to boo him? It’s absolutely unbelievable, this is one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.

“I thought Manchester United were a team looking for the No 1 goalkeeper in the world and thought they had one.

“I think De Gea has decided a few years ago when they offered him a new contract, and they still weren’t sure whether he was going to be that top goalkeeper. But he’s decided with a year to go: ‘No, you didn’t back me two years ago and I’ve turned out okay.’

“He is certainly better than he was for sure, a lot of mistakes have been eradicated, he’s making some good saves that played a big part in United getting into the top four. But he’s now said he wants to go and that’s why the manager hasn’t played him.

“Now the situation comes where his transfer to one of the biggest clubs in the world has fallen through. It’s a complete and utter joke, I just don’t get it.”

De Gea joined United from hometown club Atletico Madrid in 2011 aged 20, and has since developed into one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

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Real Madrid came calling for the Spain number one earlier this year, and were set to sign the 24-year-old with Los Blancos stopper Keylor Navas going the other way. Both transfers will now “100%” not happen, according to UEFA.