Manchester United got exactly the boost that they needed in the run up to a huge game this weekend against Liverpool, with the news that their Spanish keeper, and best player for the last two years, has signed a new four year deal.
Whatever the longer-term ramifications of this deal – there is still a sense that De Gea will leave at the end of the season – it means that Manchester United can concentrate on settling down to win matches with their best even from is point on.
And, in terms of that best XI, competition for places is very high – particularly in the midfield with Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger potentially fighting for two places in the midfield.
We had assumed that Michael Carrick would be unavailable, having suffered muscle strain during the international break. But, rather surprisingly, Manchester United say that he is fit to play and that only two players are doubtful. The Manchester United Twitter feed confirmed:
It’s another great bit of news and there is serious quality in that engine room with Schwiensteiger, Schneiderlin and Carrick.
Manchester United have a very fit looking squad and it’s easy to argue that the two absentees – Jones and Pereira – wouldn’t be in the strongest XI right now anyway.
It gives The Reds a really good chance to get a result against a team which is also desperate for a positive result at the weekend.
KICK OFF Saturday 1730 (Local time) at Old Trafford.
