Manchester United first choice goalkeeper David De Gea was reportedly dropped ahead of the club’s game against Sunderland last Sunday.
The Sun reports that the Portuguese tactician criticized him but the ‘talk’ did not go down well. The report claims that was why Mourinho played Sergio Romero during the game against David Moyes’ men instead of the Spaniard.
Mourinho said the keeper had a hip injury but further investigations show that Mourinho had been unhappy with the keeper’s performances. Manchester Evening News claimed that Mourinho alleged that De Gea was ‘sleeping’ in the goalless draw against West Bromich Albion few games back.
“David De Gea was sleeping and he did the funny thing at the end. I was laughing with that,” Mourinho said when the keeper let Darren Fletcher’s effort hit the bar during the game. It seems there was further private criticism that De Gea did not take lightly so a bust up ensured. The bust up likely led to the omission of the 26-year old keeper.
Mourinho face a crucial two legged game against Anderlecht even as the team focuses on ending the campaign well. The former Blues manager said Romero would be in between the sticks in the Europa League game. However, he also added that De Gea would return when United face league leaders Chelsea next Sunday.
United would need to do well in the continental tournament to have a shot at playing in Europe next year. A string of poor results have almost ended hopes of making the Champions League next year so winning the Europa is priority.
Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing De Gea this summer. Other keepers to replace De Geahave been linked with United but time will tell.