Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has revealed that it was missing out on signing Petr Cech and Joe Hart as youngsters that convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to sign David De Gea as a 20 year old from Atletico Madrid.
De Gea, who has regularly faced criticism in his time as Manchester United’s number one turned in an assured performance to keep one time rivals Real Madrid largely at bay in Wednesday evenings Champions League draw at the Bernabeu.
Ferguson has a history of purchasing goalkeepers who have already gained a host of experience. Peter Schemeichel was 27 when he joined the Red Devils, Fabien Barthez 29, and Edwin Van Der Sar 34.
However, having not captured Cech or Hart, who have gone on to excel for two of United’s fiercest rivals, the decision was made to secure the services of De Gea, before somebody else beat them to it.
Nevertheless, the Daily Express claim that the club remain interested in De Gea’s counterpart Victor Valdes, who is set to leave Barcelona in the summer.
Elsewhere, Wesley Snjeider has revealed that his dream move to Manchester United was blocked by Inter Milan, who rejected a £17 million bid from the club,
The Metro reports that the midfielder, who recently signed for Galatasary, was allegedly banned from Inter after trying force a move to Old Trafford.