An Open Letter to David De Gea

Dear De Gea,

It was the 2011-12 season. Fresh after a record 19^th time English champion, the new season began amidst new hopes for Manchester United. The 2010-11 season was a wonderful and successful one, with Ferguson winning a record 19^th English league. Edwin Van Der Sar, Manchester United’s number one, the legendary goalkeeper had a swansong season winning another Premier League trophy in his last season at Old Trafford. Fans across the globe, including me wished he would stay on for another season. It was sad to see him retire with all those memorable years of watching him between the cross-bar. The Flying Dutchman indeed would stay on forever in every fan’s heart and the nostalgia wouldn’t fade away.

With Van Der Sar hanging up his boots, the main job in the new season was to find a new goalie. Two back-ups were already thronging the team. But Ferguson always his ways. That has always been his specialty. Instead of a prominent signing, fans were left scratching their heads when a young Spanish lad, thin and lanky in his built was signed as a replacement of the Dutch legend. The first season didn’t go well as Ferguson would have anticipated. The rock-solid United defense which always had a way to stop opposition goals, were leaking goals in the first season post Van Der Sar. The much straight-forward Ferguson stood firm in his confidence and choice. He put lot of faith in the young Spanish. A few fans lost patience and questioned Ferguson’s choice of signing. Still, Ferguson didn’t compel to the fans’ demands. He always stood by his decisions, however odd it may look. The 2011-12 season didn’t go on as successful as the previous campaign and United surrendered the Premier League crown to rivals, Manchester City.

The following campaign of 2012-13 began. With a couple of new incoming players, United began the season on a high. Fans were still unsure of the new goalkeeper. But fans stood by Sir Ferguson. That was the season, when United fans including me got a new dimension of Ferguson’s perspective. With the 20^th English crown, Ferguson set the standards high. His young goalkeeper reigned supreme. That special something that he saw in him, reaped rich results. And that young goalkeeper is none other than you, David De Gea.

Ever since that season, you have stood rock solid between United’s goal. Even after Ferguson’s retirement, when United had a disastrous season, you were the only standout performer for United. You stood firm in your form and class. Fans have been supporting you, right from your bad days to your bright days.

Being a fan, I can only advise you to stay at United, despite rising rumors about Real Madrid offering you a rich offer. It is true Madrid is a rich club, but the love and respect that you deserve is undoubtedly here at Manchester United. Real Madrid may look good but see what they did to their legend, Iker Casillas. Even their fans boo players when in bad form. Remember, even Ronaldo and Bale got such treatments. I wouldn’t spread much hatred but being a loyal United fan, I would like to ask you one thing: Please, stay at United. Van Gaal is building something special at Old Trafford. Please don’t leave our club! Your home is and will always be Old Trafford.

Happy Goal-keeping!  

Sincerely,

An avid Manchester United fan.