Manchester United transfer news: Victor Valdes gives clear indication he wants to fight for his future after Besiktas deal falls through
Goalkeeper was put up for sale after a row with Louis van Gaal but could yet play again for United's first team
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Manchester United look like they could continue their Premier League campaign with four goalkeepers on the books after Victor Valdes saw his move to Besiktas collapse on the same day that David De Gea's Real Madrid transfer fell apart.
The former Barcelona stopper looked certain to leave Old Trafford this summer less than a year after signing an 18-month deal with the club following a public falling out with manager Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman alleged that Valdes had refused to play for the Under-21 side last season, forcing him to transfer list the goalkeeper due to a poor work ethic.
But Valdes appeared to dismiss this when he posted on Twitter a collage of the Under-21 matches that he featured in, though a move to Turkey was widely reported last week with talks between the two parties over a permanent deal.
However, Valdes now looks set for a surprise stay of execution at United after talks over the move to Besiktas broke down, and the Spaniard took to his official Facebook account to post a picture of United’s club badge in an apparent declaration of his commitment to the club.
Posted by Víctor Valdés on Monday, 31 August 2015
With Valdes set to stay at Old Trafford, is gives Van Gaal a dilemma as to who he deploys between the sticks. The 33-year-old is believed to be keen on a reconciliation with his manager, and it comes on the same day that De Gea failed to seal his move away from the club.
Manchester United: Summer 2015 completed transfers
Show all 19United had accepted a £29m bid from Real that was made up of Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas along with a fee of £18m, but for unknown reasons the paperwork from Real did not reach La Liga officials in time to beat the European transfer deadline at midnight.
It means that both Valdes and De Gea – pending a Fifa appeal – will be available for selection to rival current first choice Sergio Romero and back-up Sam Johnstone. Romero only arrived at the club in the summer on a free transfer in what looked to be a short-term move to replace De Gea, only for the dispute between Valdes and Van Gaal to confuse the situation further. A proposed move for Tottenham’s Hugi lloris failed to materialise, and with De Gea said to be in the wrong frame of mind to represent the club Romero has been handed the task of starting all six of United’s games this season.
Best deadline day stories:
De Gea deal collapses - but could he still move?
Why did the De Gea deal collapse?
Sam Wallace: Van Gaal does not get luxury of time given to predecessors
The Argentina international came under fire at the weekend though after appearing to be partially at fault for Swansea’s winning goal, scored by striker Bafetimbi Gomis, in the 2-1 loss that handed United not only their first defeat of the season but also their first goals conceded in the league.
Once the Premier League resumes after the international break, Van Gaal could choose to recall either De Gea or Valdes in the knowledge that they will remain with the club until at least 1 January when the transfer window reopens.
The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...
iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies