David de Gea

By Chris O'Brien
September 11 2015

Having been seemingly seconds away from departing the club, United fans are rejoicing at the news that David de Gea has penned a new four-year contract at the club.

It could be a move which helps re-establish United's position in global football, and ensures the player carves out a long-term legacy in the North West. That's of course not a given, however.

De Gea was set to sign for Real Madrid on transfer deadline day, before the deal dramatically stalled in a blaze of apparent incompetence on somebody's part. Paperwork wasn't filed in time - and De Gea stayed.

The news was met with mixed emotions by United fans. Relief that last season's strongest player was staying, combined with dismay at the 'keeper's apparent eagerness to leave and concern ocer his state of mind given the nature of the transfer's collapse.

But now - another twist! De Gea has signed a new four-year deal at the club, and said he is "looking forward to putting a difficult summer" behind him and "working hard".

The money reportedly involved is eye-watering. Reports claim his pay has shot up from £35,000-per-week to £200,000-per-week; and is now thought to be the best paid goalkeeper in world football.

At worst, United have stopped one of the planet's most valuable footballers opening talks on a free transfer switch to Real in the New Year. At best, things have been patched up rather quickly and De Gea may well be prepared to make a stab out of resurrecting one of the most promising careers the club has ever seen.

De Gea is 24-years-of-age and was an absolute rock last season; with his performances playing a central role in securing the club's return to the Champions League. He has the potential to have a huge, long-term future at the club and both player and club should pull out all the stops to try and make that happen.