De Gea makes a hero’s entrance but could still end up in Madrid

MANCHESTER UNITED have put themselves in the position of spending £350,000 a week in wages on four goalkeepers. But the £40million contract handed to David de Gea on Friday underlined his status as undisputed No1.

Predictably, De Gea was recalled to the starting line-up to face Liverpool yesterday after spending the first part of the season in exile amid interest from Real Madrid.

The fans’ reaction was clear. When the 24-year-old Spaniard came out to do his first warm-up 45 minutes before kick-off, he received a warm ovation from those in United red and he applauded them in return. The noise when his name was read over the public address system was ear-splitting.

If his new four-year contract is a publicity stunt — and with a £25million release clause inserted there is every chance he could still move to the Bernabeu next summer — it worked on the United faithful.

‘We all know that David loves this club,’ wrote manager Louis van Gaal in his programme notes.

Such was United’s control, De Gea didn’t have the chance to make an early attention-grabbing save to celebrate his return. In fact, he touched the ball only four times in the entire first half, all to make clearances after Michael Carrick and Co had passed the ball back.

There were ironic cheers from United’s fans when he finally plucked the ball out of the air after 56 minutes — the first time he’d had to use his hands.

Moments later, he could have been red-faced when a poor clearance put his side in trouble. Keen to make amends he then denied Liverpool an equaliser with a flying dive to his left to keep out Danny Ings’ half-volley.

De Gea said on Friday this would be the ‘perfect fixture’ in which to return. He was right — few teams will give him quieter afternoons than Liverpool did, despite Christian Benteke’s consolation goal with a spectacular overhead kick.

He enjoyed returning ‘home’ and the Stretford End were happy to play the part of his welcoming family. But it doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be in Spain this time next year.