Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez discusses what David De Gea’s new Manchester United contract means

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Rafael Benitez, the Real Madrid manager, has discussed what David De Gea‘s new Manchester United contract means for the La Liga BBVA giants.

The Spain international was widely expected to head to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer window; however, despite a £29m fee having been agreed on deadline day, his dream move collapsed in the final minutes with Real accusing United of intentionally sabotaging the transfer by not completing the paperwork on time.

His current deal with the Red Devils was set to expire next summer, and it was anticipated that he would become a free agent.

However, on Friday morning, ahead of United’s major clash with fierce rivals Liverpool, it was announced that he had signed a four-year contract, which included an option for a further year.

It now remains to be seen whether the extension is simply to increasing his value in the market, or that he really is the long-term No.1 at the Theatre of Dreams.

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And predictably, Los Blancos boss Benitez has been forced to address the news, and he insists that it is not a major blow, expressing his support to Keylor Navas, Kiko Casilla and Ruben Yanez.

“De Gea belongs to Manchester United and I am satisfied to have Keylor, Kiko and Ruben – Keylor already knows this because I have spoken with him,” as quoted by the Daily Express.

“Navas knows the trust that I have in him and he is calm and confident. That day [when the deal collapsed] I had dinner with him, his wife and his agent. I just want him to do very well.

“Yesterday he trained sensationally. He made three or four great saves. So he is not affected. He is delighted [to be here] and me too. I always say the truth”.

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