Phil Neville feels Manchester United should be delighted to keep David de Gea out of Real Madrid’s clutches this summer.
The Spaniard’s proposed move to the Bernabeu collapsed last night after Real Madrid failed to file the necessary paperwork in time with the Spanish FA, despite reaching an agreement with Manchester United.
Despite angling for a move all summer, De Gea will stay at Manchester United for at least one more season and Neville admits that there is a sense of disappointment in Spain over the failed move.
The former Everton and Manchester United man, who is also part of the coaching staff at Valencia, revealed that all of Spain were looking forward to seeing De Gea in a Real Madrid shirt.
Speaking to the BBC, Neville said: “I think all the Spanish were desperate for David de Gea to come back.
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“This morning at training the Spanish national goalkeeping coach – our coach at Valencia – was gutted because he wanted him back in Spain.”
However, the former defender believes that the Manchester United faithful should be delighted that the former Atletico Madrid is staying as he has been the club’s best player over the last two seasons.
He feels that De Gea could still prove to be an important player for Louis van Gaal’s men this season.
"From the Manchester United fans' point of view I am sure they are delighted it did not go through.
"That was the one position I thought looked a little shaky and De Gea has been the best player for Manchester United in the last two seasons.
“He will want to play because he has the Euros coming up and he will want to be Spain's number one. It could be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United."
