United: Real culpable for De Gea move collapse

Ian Watson
David de Gea Manchester United, TEAMtalk

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Manchester United have hit back at Florentino Perez over the collapse of David de Gea’s transfer, saying the “culpability” lies with the Spaniards.

The Spain goalkeeper appeared all set to join Real on Monday after the two clubs finally agreed a £29million deal that involved Keylor Navas moving to Old Trafford. But the necessary documentation failed to be submitted before the Spanish transfer deadline at 11pm BST, leaving De Gea “distraught”.

Real Madrid released a statement on Tuesday blaming the failure on United, who denied the claims and insisted they have the FA’s backing.

Real president Perez then went on Spanish radio on Thursday night, criticising United’s ‘inexperience’ in an apparent dig at United chief executive Edward Woodward before labelling the eight-hour wait for contracts to be returned as a ‘disgrace’.

A United spokesman retaliated on Friday, telling The Telegraph: “The facts speak for themselves. The FA are prepared to back our case that documents were in on time.

“We all like to blame others but if you let one slip through your fingers into the back of the net, then ultimately the culpability is yours.”