Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed transfer speculation linking goalkeeper David de Gea with a move to Real Madrid, or any other club for that matter, this summer.
The Spanish shotstopper has been linked with a return to his native Madrid at several points during his time with United and nearly joined the club in 2015 until a deal fell through at the final hour.
Following Keylor Navas’ mishap in Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Mourinho was asked if there was any possibility of de Gea not being at United next season to which he replied: “No chance.”
The Portuguese manager was also quite optimistic about the form of Alexis Sanchez ahead of this weekend’s visit of Arsenal.
Sanchez joined United from the North London club in January but has got off to a relatively slow start at Old Trafford with just two goals through his first nine games.
Mourinho is confident that the Chilean international can finish the season strongly and that he will be a better player at the beginning of next season.
“He was playing in [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 Mourinho.
“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.”
