JUAN MATA INSISTS that there has been no falling out between Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal and David De Gea over the goalkeeper’s collapsed move to Real Madrid.
After months of speculation, De Gea looked set to complete a deadline-day move to the Santiago Bernabeu that would have seen Blancos No.1 Keylor Navas move in the opposite direction.
However, the relevant documentation was not lodged with La Liga in time, meaning De Gea must remain at United, until at least the January transfer window.
Given the Spain international has yet to see a minute of Premier League action so far this season, there has been speculation that Van Gaal will leave De Gea in the stands for the final year of his contract.
Mata, though, insists that there is no issue between the two and says that he fully expects United’s Players’ Player of the Year for the past two seasons to have another big campaign at Old Trafford.
“I don’t think there’ll be a problem with the club, the coach or the fans,” the Spain playmaker told reporters. ”That’s how I perceive it.
“The fans love [De Gea] very much and he’s highly regarded by both the club and the coach. I think it will still be the same.
“The last two years David has been the best player in our team. His saves have earned us a lot of points. I have no doubt this will be a very good year, too.”
Mata also dismissed the suggestion that De Gea’s focus has and will continue to be affected by his inability to complete his proposed move to Madrid.
“I’ve talked with him a lot,” the former Chelsea man added. “There have been hectic and stressful days but he is such a quiet, centred person, nothing changes him.”
