Jose expects De Gea to stay at Old Trafford

JOSE Mourinho insists David de Gea will stay at United, despite fears the Spaniard has played his last game for the club.

Real Madrid have made the goalkeeper one of their top targets this summer – two years after his move to the Bernabeu fell through at the last minute.

United are preparing a new contract for the 26-year-old in a bid to convince him to reject the chance to return to his homeland.

But Mourinho’s decision to play Sergio Romero in the Europa League final and Joel Pereira in the final game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday has led to suggestions De Gea could have played his final game for United.

Romero was outstanding in last night’s 0-0 draw with Southampton, saving Manolo Gabbiadini’s first-half penalty.

But asked if the Argentine could be the long-term successor to De Gea, Mourinho made it clear he is planning for a future with his current No1.

“I don’t go with ‘if he leaves’ because I hope he doesn’t leave,” said the United manager.

“I think we need two top goalkeepers and a top young goalkeeper, which is what we have.

“David is David and Sergio is Sergio.

“One is Spain’s national goalkeeper and one is Argentina’s. “For me, it is amazing to have it.” There have been claims De Gea is unhappy with Mourinho’s decision to play Romero in next week’s Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm.

But Mourinho is adamant there is no issue between his two keepers.

“The difficult thing of who is number one and who is number two, who plays and who doesn’t, is comfortable for me.

“Because of that personal relationship it is never a problem.

“I never saw two keepers to be so close as friends.

“Normally with the goalkeepers – unless there is a huge difference – when difference doesn’t exist they are not best friends. They are rivals.

“But they are amazing with each other. Everything is smooth. Everyone accepts my decisions all season.

“I’m happy with both. And Joel will play the next match because he also deserves it.”

De Gea looked to be on his way to Real two summers ago until an administrative glitch scuppered his £29m move.

The Champions League finalists plan to launch another bid to take him to the Bernabeu this summer, leaving United with a fight on their hands to keep him at Old Trafford.

Qualification to the Champions League could be pivotal to their hopes.