David De Gea has finally reported for pre-season duty on Man Utd’s US tour and has been welcomed back gleefully by his teammates.
The Spanish goalkeeper endured a difficult summer with his country as La Roja suffered a shock last 16 World Cup elimination at the hands of tournament hosts Russia on penalties.
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De Gea did not cover himself in glory during that shootout, failing to save a single spot kick, which ultimately summed up his overall tournament. He seemed well below his usual level and received some hefty criticism in the wake of his performances, but he is now ready to return to club duty.
The 27-year-old was absent for the start of United’s American tour, recharging his batteries on holiday as his teammates have played three friendlies already so far, most recently beating AC Milan on penalties.
However the squad has welcomed him back with open arms and as The Daily Mail reports, everyone in the camp looks happy to have the shot-stopper back amongst their ranks.
? No.1 for hugs – welcome back, @De_Gea!#MUTOUR #MUFC pic.twitter.com/NbQdxV3vuV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2018
According to The Mail, De Gea was eased back into action with low-intensity fitness work and will have to get back up to speed quickly before he is to resume his position as the club’s number 1, ahead of new acquisition Lee Grant and Joel Perriera.
Jose Mourinho will hope that his keeper can put the World Cup disappointment behind him quickly and once again exhibit the form which has made him arguably consistently the best man between the sticks in England, with the team set to kick off their 2018/19 Premier League season in two weeks.