David de Gea is currently living out his worst nightmare as a player. Separated from the rest of the team, relegated to the stands, ignored by Van Gaal, singled out by United fans because of the coach and, above all, anxious about his future.
Last season De Gea left Manchester with the intention of not returning. He was convinced he would sign a transfer deal at the beginning of June and take part in the pre-season warm up at new club Real Madrid. He didn't count on the fact that his manager and executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, would slam the door in his face.
The Spanish keeper can't understand why Van Gaal won't let him leave. If he didn't want him before then why won't he let him go now? This is what the De Gea camp find difficult to fathom.
With this outlook, Real Madrid and De Gea fear the saga will be drawn out right until the close of the transfer window. This is a situation Florentino Pérez understands all too well but it isn't exactly what the player himself had in mind.
Manchester United are still asking for €40 million for their keeper, a figure Real Madrid consider excessive for a player whose contract ends on 30th June 2016, but will have no choice but to pay if they hope to count De Gea in their ranks this coming season. Keylor Navas has even been mentioned as featuring in a possible deal, although this fact won't make matters any easier. "€30 million and Keylor," is the response from Old Trafford.