David De Gea agrees to new 4-year deal with Manchester United
Manchester United's goalkeeper woes are over after David De Gea agreed to a new long-term deal with the club that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2019.
Despite being on the verge of joining Real Madrid, the Spanish 'keeper has signed a new four-year contract with an option for an extra year, the club announced.
“I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career," De Gea said. "I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career.
"I'm looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful.”
The new contract is a stunning turnaround considering he was minutes away from joining Los Blancos until a paperwork blunder axed the deal.
I feel proud to announce that I'll continue with you and @manutd. Thanks for your unconditional support! pic.twitter.com/I6J7XGHKe2
— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) September 11, 2015
It's not clear whether De Gea will be available for Sunday's crucial fixture against Liverpool as he has not played a minute in United's opening four matches because of concerns over his fragile state of mind during rampant speculation about his future.
De Gea, however, is undoubtedly the first-choice 'keeper and will be the preferred option over Sergio Romero once manager Louis van Gaal feels the 24-year-old is prepared to resume his regular starting duties.
"I am absolutely delighted David has signed a new contract. He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football. I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for many years to come," Van Gaal said. "David made a very important contribution to our performance last season and he has been the club’s Player of the Year for the last two seasons.
"He is a popular player who is keen to learn and enhance his game. At such a young age for a goalkeeper, he has many years ahead of him.”
De Gea has been a more than serviceable 'keeper since joining United from Atletico Madrid in 2011. He's appeared in 175 matches, won two Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards, and one Premier League trophy during the 2012-13 campaign.