Manchester United accuse Real Madrid of 'clumsiness' in David De Gea saga
:focal(178x132:180x130)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/04/03/3673848-74785904-310-310.jpg)
Updated 05/09/2015 at 10:24 GMT
Manchester United have hit back at Real Madrid, accusing the club of 'clumsiness' in their failed efforts to sign goalkeeper David De Gea.
Manchester United and Spain goalkeeper David De Gea
Image credit: Reuters
The Spanish club had earlier claimed the collapse of the proposed deal that would have sent the Spain goalkeeper to the Bernabeu was caused by a lack of experience in the Old Trafford boardroom.
De Gea was set to move to the Bernabeu in a £29 million deal from United on Monday but the deal failed to materialise, according to Real, because documents sent by the Red Devils arrived after the transfer deadline in Spain. Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas was set to move the opposite way.
What Florentino Perez said
Real president Florentino Perez said in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser that United were 'lacking in experience'.
We sent the contracts to United at 13:30 on Monday and they took eight hours to send them back. They must have had a lot of work.
From then on we had little time. I sensed that afternoon that we wouldn't make it in time because I knew the lack of experience by United in these issues.
We didn't get the contracts until 00:02, past the deadline. We and FIFA have proof of this. It's a shame and I don't understand why they needed so much time for the contracts, I don't understand a series of issues.
What Manchester United said
In response to the claims from Spain, a United spokesman suggested Real were making such claims to mask their own failings.
The facts speak for themselves. The FA are prepared to back our case that documents were in on time; Real seem intent to move the focus away from their own clumsiness this summer.
We all like to blame others but if you let one slip through your fingers into the back of the net, then ultimately the culpability is yours.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/07/28/1649460-34987135-2560-1440.jpg)
Florentino Perez
Image credit: Imago
Perez claimed United did not want to begin negotiations until transfer deadline day in Spain.
"They didn't want to negotiate until Monday," Perez said. "We felt we owed the player the duty to try to sign him even though we knew it would be very difficult.
"That is why we tried in the final day of the transfer market because we knew that De Gea had made an effort and we could not let him down.
"I don't want to blame anyone but we don't really understand whether they needed eight hours to review the contracts or if it was just that they wanted to wait until the last minute to negotiate."
Perez did not reveal whether his club will try to acquire De Gea once his contract at United expires next summer but indicated Real may have missed their only chance to get the 24-year-old.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/09/04/1682420-35646957-2560-1440.jpg)
Manchester United director Sir Bobby Charlton (L), executive vice chairman Ed Woodward and co owner Avram Glazer (R) in the stands
Image credit: Reuters
De Gea had been a target since last year and was set to replace Iker Casillas as Real's number one following the departure of the veteran captain to FC Porto in July.
Media reports claim De Gea will sign a contract extension to remain at Old Trafford beyond next summer in the hope of reclaiming the number one spot at United and to have a chance to play for Spain at Euro 2016.
"I don't know what will happen to the player," Perez said. "After what happened I have not spoken to De Gea but (Real Madrid general director) Jose Angel Sanchez did.
"I was told that he (De Gea) was very affected because he had high hopes of joining Real Madrid.
"De Gea will be Iker's successor, I don't know if at Real Madrid but I'm certain he will be in the national team."
OUR VIEW
There really do not seem to be any winners in this ugly ongoing spat between the two clubs. In attempting to shift the blame, both parties are looking increasingly petty and petulant. It would be understandable for De Gea to feel completely helpless as he continues to be messed around by both clubs and left in a very frustrating situation.
Perez has not made himself come across any better as a result of his statement regarding United's 'inexperience', while United's response was unnecessary. Both clubs need to move on from this and ensure that the same mistakes are not made in January when this seemingly interminable saga inevitably returns.
Like Real Madrid?
Get more at www.madridistanews.com
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement