David de Gea was absent in Manchester United Premier League fixture vs Sunderland after two unimpressive performances.
The Spaniard was unhappy with United’s boss Jose Mourinho criticisms that he was ‘sleeping’ towards the Red Devils draw with West Bromwich Albion earlier this month.
The goalkeeper carelessly dropped Darren Fletcher effort late on but was reprieved as the ball bounced off his crossbar to deny the Baggies an unlikely win.
The former Chelsea boss in his remarks, downplayed de Gea mistake during his post-match analysis but M.E.N Sport understands the Spaniard took exception with the wording.
“David de Gea was sleeping and he did the funny thing at the end,” Mourinho said. “I was laughing with that.”
De Gea then let in another goal to Everton’s Phil Jagielka three days later as his side faced another draw through Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s die-minute penalty.
The Portuguese manager said the goalie sat out his side weekend match at Sunderland with a hip injury and expects him to return to action when the welcome Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday. Sergio Romero is expected to continue between the sticks against Belgian side Anderlecht in the Europa League.
“It’s good for Sergio Romero to play before Brussels,” Mourinho said. “De Gea will probably be fit for Chelsea, yes. If he’s in good condition.”
The 30-year-old has started United’s last five Europa League matches and made an impressive save to deny Victor Anichebe with the scoreline at 1-0 at Sunderland.
Jose Mourinho ruled Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young and Phil Jones out of the first leg clash against the Belgian side and added Antonio Valencia who is injured and not his return remains yet uncertain.
European champions Real Madrid’s who thrashed Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Allianz Arena tonight interest in De Gea has been revived having failed to secure his move to Bernabeu on transfer deadline day in 2015.
Mourinho killed the La Liga giants interest in the Spaniard shortly after he was announced as United’s manager and privately illustrates that it would make no sense to sell one of his side best players.
The Spain international was placated in the summer by the arrival of goalkeeping coach Emilio Alvarez, who oversaw the Spaniard’s development as a teenager at Atletico Madrid.
De Gea is contracted to United until 2019 and the club has the option of an additional year. It is understood United would demand at least double the £32.6million Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon – which remains the world record fee for a goalkeeper – in 2001.
Reports has it that Real are also keen on Chelsea stopper Thibaut Courtois.