David De Gea in training with the Spanish national team (Getty Images)
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Manchester United have unveiled a new partnership with IT company HCL Technologies that will "explore and unveil a number of digital initiatives", just days after failing to complete the sale of David De Gea after what Real Madrid blamed on outdated technology causing a delay in negotiations.
The 24-year-old will remain at United until at least January when the transfer window reopens, although it is now likely he will see out the rest of the 2015/16 season after being registered in United’s Champions League squad earlier this week.
Having failed to seal a move to Real at the final minute, De Gea has reason to be unhappy with the Premier League club, although it is expected that the club will look to reintegrate the goalkeeper into the first-team squad as soon as possible in the hope that they can persuade him to sign a new contract.
Manchester United: Summer 2015 completed transfers
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But in what is being seen as an immediate act to bring their technology up to speed, United have announced the new deal with HCL Technologies to help upgrade their systems following criticism from Real after taking over eight hours to return relevant contracts for the moves of De Gea and Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
In an official club statement, United said: “HCL and Manchester United will work together to explore and unveil a number of digital initiatives to transform the experience of the club’s 659 million global followers.
“Manchester United will explore revolutionary ways in which the club uses technology to create a unified fan experience for supporters; and in the process set a new engagement benchmark in the world of sport.”
“We hope to demonstrate best practices within the industry to generate new ideas that leverage the latest technology available in the evolving digital landscape,” added United’s group managing director Richard Arnold.
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