"No chance" of De Gea leaving United, insists Mourinho
José Mourinho has no doubt that Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea will still be a Manchester United player next season.
There is "no chance" David de Gea will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, according to José Mourinho. Spain international De Gea has developed into arguably the world's best goalkeeper since joining United from Atlético de Madrid in 2011. After enduring a rocky start to life at the club, he has become a key player for United and, as such, has consistently been linked with moves away.
Botched Madrid move
Real Madrid have been mentioned as suitors particularly regularly and he came close to joining them in August 2015, before the deal fell through late on transfer deadline day. Zinedine Zidane's side continue to be linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but Mourinho is not worried about him leaving.
When asked if there was any possibility of De Gea not being at United next season, Mourinho said: "No chance."
Alexis to face former employers
Another player who endured a slow start after joining United is Alexis Sánchez, who made little impact in his first couple of months at the club following a January move from Arsenal. But he has steadily improved and produced a particularly effective display against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final, scoring the winner as United triumphed 2-1. Up next for Alexis is a reunion with former club Arsenal at Old Trafford and Mourinho is confident the Premier League will see the Chilean's very best again next season.
"He was playing in our competition [the Premier League] for years, we all know how good he was, that's why he was chased by so many teams, I believe," said the coach. "That's why we fought to have him here and I was since the start [saying] he's the right player, not just because of typical football qualities, but his mentality. We needed that. We needed more experience, more mental aggression and I knew sooner or later it was coming. I don't like the January market, but it was now or never. Can he help us the way he's helping us lately for the rest of the season? I hope so and feel so, but what I'm sure about is next season. After pre-season and after being comfortable and adapted, he'll be great for us."