Few players have ever proved their value to a football team so much that the a failed transfer away from the club was met with praise and numerous pats on the back for Chief Executive Ed Woodward and his dodgy fax machine. But, few players are worth as much as David De Gea.
Since his arrival from Atletico Madrid for £18 million in 2011, De Gea has proven his critics wrong. Questioned for what can be called a testing debut season, the goalkeeper has developed into one of the world’s finest goalkeeper and his latest award proves just that.
At last night’s end of season awards night, the Spaniard was recognised by the fans for his excellence in goal and won his fourth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award, having won it for three consecutive season before Ander Herrera earned the gong last season.
The goalkeeper has now asserted his worth as one of the most valuable players in the footballing world at the current moment. With 17 clean sheets to his name this campaign, the 27 year-old is the most efficient goalkeeper in the division, and was additionally the top goalkeeper in terms of clean sheets for last season.
The shot stopper amassed 27 caps for his country, and a return to his homeland has been tipped by many for a number of seasons, with Real Madrid known to be admirers of the Manchester United number one. A move previously broke down for the keeper, but the Spanish giants are still thought to be interested in the goalkeeper.
Keylor Navas has continuously performed in the goal for the La Liga giants, and was part of a proposed deal when Madrid made a move for De Gea. It is still possible that the keeper could link up with the Red Devils, but United fans will be clamouring for De Gea to stay at Old Trafford.
No goalkeeper had ever won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year before the former Atletico youngster, and nobody had won it three times in a row before the keeper made history. He has now put himself two victories clear of his closest rival Ronaldo in the number of times to have won the award.
There may not be many more times when De Gea is awarded with the prize given United’s fortunes seem to be changing under Jose Mourinho, with the club on course for over 80 points this season, and it is certain De Gea would trade any of his personal accolades for another Premier League medal – but United fans will be hoping he will put pen to paper on a new deal immediately.
