David De Gea included in Manchester United’s Champions League squad

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson once said he would not sell Real Madrid “a virus” let alone Cristiano Ronaldo but, as even he found out, when the Spanish giants come knocking they usually get what they want.

De Gea will become a free agent next summer.

United reportedly still insist they will only sell De Gea this transfer window if Real offer a £35m fee, or agree to a Sergio Ramos swap deal.

Should Madrid show no sign of being willing to raise their offer, De Gea could be selected against Brugge.

United would clearly rather not have De Gea either sitting in the stands burning away the last year of his contract, or playing as a want-away first-choice with the distractions fresh in his mind, but at this point they would prefer that to backing down. There is then the problem of having a new keeper adjust to the team and the system long after the season has started.

De Gea has been included in the Red Devil’s Champions League squad to face Club Brugge next week, and if he features, the Spaniard will be cup-tied for the remainder of the competition. Whilst on paper it should be comfortable for United this is without question the most important two matches since Van Gaal joined the club.

Manchester United are not used to selling prime assets, simple as that, so the idea of Europe’s most highly-regarded shot-stopper packing his gloves to play for a club they like to think they rival as the biggest in the world hurts.

United’s full squad is as follows… The matter does however need resolving and it would be fair to expect movement either way over the coming days. The opinions expressed belong to the author and are not necessarily shared by Metro.