De Gea: Real Madrid Saga Has Made Me Grow

United and Real did not get the deal sorted out in time on the final day of the window, which saw De Gea stay in England, though many believed he was desperate to return to Madrid.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has finally spoken to the media since his failed move to Real Madrid in the latest transfer window.

The 24-year-old was on the verge of a move to join the La Liga giants, but a deadline day mishap with his paperwork eventually ended the chance of the switch taking place.

“I am a guy who likes to put the bad things and hard times behind me”, De Gea told Canal Plus. We must move forward, working equally and always strong.

“It is a learning process that football gives you, tough moments that make you mature and grow”.

De Gea still trained with his team-mates and took part in team talks during his exile, however, and he insists he never lost the respect of his fellow players over the summer.

Keylor Navas was due to move the opposite way, but David De Gea has since signed a new four-year deal with the Red Devils, and somewhat surprisingly, appears genuine about committing his future to the Manchester club.

He was powerless to stop Arsenal running riot at the Emirates last weekend, however, conceding three goals in the opening 20 minutes and both he and his teammates will be looking to bounce back against Everton after the worldwide break. You have to keep working and try to improve in each training session.

The ESPN FC crew discuss Manchester United’s performance against Southampton and speculate if they would be top of the table with De Gea in net.