De Gea never planned to run down contract

Manchester United are picking up pace this season and are second in the league table, behind Manchester City at the top.

While United are bracing themselves for another approach from Real at the end of the season, they are in a stronger bargaining position with De Gea tied down to a long-term contract.

David De Gea was never going to run his Manchester United contract down according to reports.

The Red Devils’ new signing Bastian Schweinsteiger was brought on from the bench for Rooney and the Germany captain immediately passed the armband to De Gea, who wore it for the remainder of the match.

It marked a big U-turn for De Gea after having signed a five-year deal with the 20-time English champions weeks after he was close to joining Real Madrid.

Vice-captain Michael Carrick did not play against the Championship team while Chris Smalling – third in line to captain United – had already been replaced, leading to a memorable moment for De Gea.

Goals from Wayne Rooney, Andreas Pereira and Anthony Martial made it a comfortable night for Louis van Gaal’s men, as they romped past the Championship dwellers.

“Great win yesterday! Let’s think about our next rivals and keep improving. I’m very happy for my family, for impressing my manager and doing well for my club”.