Former Manchester United keeper Gary Bailey has offered his view on David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois as the two former Atletico Madrid stoppers line up on opposite sides again this weekend.
Bailey, who won the FA Cup in 1983 and 1985 with the Reds, believes both men are among the top goalies in the game but feels United's reigning Player of the Year has the edge.
"De Gea and Courtois are right up there with the top five in the world right now," he told Inside United. "No question.
"David still amazes me. I was the same age when I was in the team and I felt the need to shout and scream, and try to control people around me. He's just so relaxed - he doesn't get uptight, things go in, he looks at one or two players and then gets on with the game.
"He's got a fantastic temperament and is a wonderful keeper, who makes saves when he needs to. Courtois - okay, he didn't have the best of seasons last year but he's also a wonderful keeper and a bit taller and that bit stronger in the air. So, alongside Manuel Neuer and Gianluigi Buffon, they've got to be up there with the best in the world."
When asked to pick which of the number ones was better, Bailey replied: "Difficult one. I think David is because there were a couple of question marks last year with Courtois, but both are great. When Courtois was at Atletico Madrid, he was absolutely brilliant.
"It's difficult to separate keepers. People ask whether David or Neuer or Buffon is best and they're all different types of keepers, at different ages, doing different things. I just think we are lucky to have David and I really believe, if we get one or two pieces of this jigsaw to click into gear, we've got a wonderful squad.
"It's got to come good and, by good, it's got to come close to winning the league. We're almost there and Jose is the man to do it."
The sexual abuse case brought against adult film director Torbe is no longer set to implicate Spain footballers David de Gea and Iker Munain.
Police are said to have found inconsistencies in the witness testimonies which saw the Manchester United goalkeeper and Athletic Bilbao winger both named as suspects just days before Spain began their Euro 2016 campaign in June.
According to Interviu magazine the pair have therefore been cleared of any wrongdoing by both prosecutors and the judge presiding over the trial, meaning that neither will have to testify in the case against Torbe - real name Ignacio Allende Fernandez - who was arrested in May on charges of child pornography and trafficking.
De Gea held a press conference refuting the allegations while Munain also publicly denied any wrongdoing through his social media accounts.
Which player or what problematic area needs to be addressed in the summer transfer window?
ESPN FC's club bloggers have their say.
ARSENAL: A striker, possibly Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal's need for a new centre-forward is exacerbated by the fact that Olivier Giroud is likely to miss the start of the season after his prolonged participation at Euro 2016. The failed bid for Jamie Vardy shows they're already active in the market -- the question now is who the next name is on their shortlist. Lyon's Lacazette could fit the bill. Like Vardy he's quick and mobile, and he should represent a better long-term option. -- James McNicholas
BOURNEMOUTH: Jonny Evans
The Cherries are crying out for a centre-back who can stabilise their defensive frailty which left them vulnerable on multiple occasions last season. While the likes of Gary Cahill or Phil Jones would be the glamorous options, they perhaps are slightly too out of reach for now. However, international defender and three-time Premier League winner Jonny Evans would be a plausible signing from West Brom. He's 28 and has a vast amount of experience, which could be vital in their quest of beating the drop for a second season running.-- Will Kent
BURNLEY: Central midfield, possibly Henri Lansbury or Ashley Westwood
Central midfield is the obvious weak point in Burnley's squad, with existing problems exacerbated by the disappointing departure of Joey Barton to Rangers at the end of his contract. Sean Dyche has a long-held interest in Nottingham Forest captain Lansbury, whose prowess from set pieces would add another dimension to the team's play, with Westwood of relegated Aston Villa another reported target. Both would be good additions. Burnley need pace, power, energy and creativity in central midfield and it will be a tough task to find all that in one player, especially with the smallest budget in the Premier League. -- Jamie Smith
CHELSEA: Leonardo Bonucci
Antonio Conte's penchant for playing three centre-backs while managing Italy at Euro 2016 not only proved successful, but also highlighted the deficiencies his new club Chelsea currently have in this area. John Terry, 35, will not be able to live with the work rate required, Cahill is dependable enough but nowhere near world-class and Kurt Zouma is likely to miss the start of the season as he continues injury rehab. If Conte is to execute his favoured 3-5-2, Chelsea need to sign the player who has been the heartbeat of the Azzurri defence -- Bonucci. At 29, Bonucci is at the peak of his powers and the Juventus defender would need no introduction to Conte or his methodologies. -- Mark Worrall
Leonardo Bonucci impressed for Antonio Conte at Euro 2016 and is on the Chelsea manager's radar.
CRYSTAL PALACE: A striker, possibly Wilfried Bony
Not since Andy Johnson in 2005 have Palace had a top-flight quality striker. Christian Benteke would clearly be a fine addition and just what the Eagles need but £31 million is a lot of money and probably overpriced. If Alan Pardew can't land him, how about Wilfried Bony from Manchester City? Already down the pecking order under new boss Pep Guardiola, he would probably come a bit cheaper. -- Jim Daly
EVERTON: A goalkeeper, possibly Jack Butland
Everton need a consistent and commanding goalkeeper able to earn them points when up against it. Maarten Stekelenburg appears merely an experienced backup option while Joel Robles is an adequate if unspectacular alternative. Names linked vary in quality with Fraser Forster perhaps the pick of the bunch. Many would like to see the Blues attempt to lure Butland to Goodison. -- Luke O'Farrell
HULL CITY: A striker, possibly Hal Robson-Kanu
Addressing a dearth of attacking options is Steve Bruce's most pressing concern this summer. Abel Hernandez will deservedly lead the line after netting 22 goals last season but the unproven Adama Diomande is the only other senior striker on Hull City's books. Two new arrivals up front are a must and Wales man-of-the-moment Robson-Kanu would be a canny addition. -- Phil Buckingham
LEICESTER: Gylfi Sigurdsson
The Iceland international, who impressed at Euro 2016, would be a perfect addition. Leicester boast plenty of defensive midfielders, but another attacking one could come in handy, especially if Riyad Mahrez departs. The Swansea star feels like a Premier League veteran, but he's still only 26 and he scored 11 goals last season. The attraction of Champions League football might be enough to lure him away from the Liberty. -- Ben Jacobs
Leicester are well-stocked in defensive midfield but a player of Gylfi Sigurdsson's quality further forward is needed.
LIVERPOOL: A centre-back
With Kolo Toure released and Martin Skrtel set to complete a move to Fenerbahce, a good central defender is essential if Liverpool are to shore up their leaky defence -- even though Mamadou Sakho has been cleared to resume his career after the alleged anti-doping violation. Jurgen Klopp had been rumoured to be pursuing his old Dortmund defender Subotic, but he appears set for Middlesbrough so unless another candidate presents himself they will be dependent on Joel Matip, their signing from Schalke, to partner Dejan Lovren for season 2016-17. -- Steven Kelly
MIDDLESBROUGH: A proven centre-back
The team's defence was undoubtedly the cornerstone of their promotion success last season. A former Spanish international defender, manager Aitor Karanka has successfully brought Ben Gibson through from the academy, who has forged a partnership with the ever-reliable Dani Ayala. However, there's not much in terms of extra cover at centre-back -- 18-year-old Dael Fry really impressed last season but he may not be ready for a Premier League step-up. Colombian defender Bernardo Espinosa has been drafted in to replace outward-bound Tomas Kalas but a proven centre-half should be near the top of Karanka's shopping list.A deal for Dortmund's Neven Subotic is almost wrapped up, and that would be a huge tick. -- Catherine Wilson
MAN UNITED: A commanding centre-back, possibly Raphael Varane
Despite signing Eric Bailly from Villarreal for around £30m, United need a more experienced player than the 22-year-old from the Ivory Coast. Chris Smalling is competent but he's not world-class and is prone to silly mistakes. Real Madrid's Varane would be a great addition -- not only does he have the best years ahead of him, he's already got plenty of first-team football under his belt. Jose Mourinho likes a strong spine, so with David De Gea behind him and Zlatan Ibrahimovic up top, Varane, 23, would vastly improve the team.-- Scott Patterson
Jose Mourinho has been busy in the market so far this summer but needs a centre-back.
MAN CITY: John Stones
Manchester City's defence has been quite shaky in recent seasons and they've been accused of having a soft centre. With Vincent Kompany's injury worries and concerns over Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi, a new defender must surely be on Guardiola's shopping list. It's clear the club's previous attempts to shore up the rearguard hasn't worked. Stones may well be costly, though, especially as Everton will be in no rush to sell. -- David Mooney
SWANSEA: A boost in attack, possibly Loic Remy
There's little doubt Swansea need a new striker. Alberto Paloschi has returned to Italy after only six months and Bafetimbi Gomis looks set for a loan move to France after scoring just six league goals last season. If the Bony reunion doesn't happen, Swansea could consider Remy instead. The French striker has the right attributes for the Swansea system, is a proven scorer and should be available for cheap now that Chelsea have signed Michy Batshuayi. -- Max Hicks
SOUTHAMPTON: Sofiane Boufal
In-demand Lille winger Boufal is the type of marquee signing Southampton need to make to prove their ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League are more than hollow promises from an under-pressure board. Boufal is well-known to new manager Claude Puel from the French league and would be a ready-made replacement for Sadio Mane following the Senegalese wide-man's £34m move to Liverpool. Saints have generated vast sums from player sales during the past three summers and supporters would love to see that cash reinvested with a big-money buy. -- Alex Crook
SUNDERLAND: A striker, possibly Diafra Sakho
As Sunderland's season-saving late run showed in 2015-16, there is reasonable strength in defence and midfield (provided Jan Kirchhoff is tied to a longer contract and Yann M'Vila returns), but Jermain Defoe needs help up front and a proven goalscorer must be manager Sam Allardyce's priority. He signed Senegalese striker Sakho when at West Ham and should intensify efforts to sign him again. Sakho's record of one goal every three games makes him a perfect fit. -- Colin Randall
STOKE: Saido Berahino
Mark Hughes is desperate for a striker capable of successfully leading the line through an entire campaign. Berahino appears to be the player chosen as one who could bring those elusive 15-20 goals a season but an ongoing standoff over the fee threatens to derail the deal. The club's prudence is admirable but they may need to swallow their pride and join others in paying over the odds to make sure they get their man in time for the new season. -- James Whittaker
Saido Berahino has repeatedly been linked with a move away from West Brom.
TOTTENHAM: Strength on the wing
Top of the shopping list was a striker. Spurs got lucky last season with Harry Kane remaining both fit and on form throughout the campaign. But his sluggish performances for England during Euro 2016 were a clear warning that Spurs had no backup. Mauricio Pochettino has struck early in the transfer window - by Spurs' recent standards - and bought Vincent Janssen from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in a deal believed to be worth £18.6m. With Janssen in the bag, Spurs should look to buy a winger. While Kyle Walker and Danny Rose have performed well as wing-backs, Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela haven't shown they have the necessary pace to trouble opposition defences. Decent wingers are hard to find, but Spurs are rumoured to be looking at Barcelona's Christian Tello. They could do a lot worse. -- John Crace
WEST BROM: Robbie Brady
Despite the addition of Matt Phillips, West Brom still need more quality in the wide areas, particularly on the left-hand side of the pitch. Norwich's Brady would be the ideal addition -- he's equally capable at either left-back or further forward, and his crossing ability from both open play and set pieces would suit Tony Pulis' side down to the ground. -- Matthew Evans
WEST HAM: A big-name striker
The main priority is to sign a top quality striker. With the move to Stratford finally a reality and all season tickets sold for the 60,000-capacity stadium, the Hammers can afford to think big. A player of Lacazette's quality would be ideal; making a positive statement on two levels. Firstly, that the club are pushing forward as a major Premier League force and secondly, in convincing Dimitri Payet that the Hammers are intending to build a side around him. -- Peter Thorne
WATFORD: Midfield inspiration
With Jose Jurado departing after a difficult season, Watford still lack an attacking force in midfield that is proven in the Premier League. They are reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Roberto Pereyra from Juventus, but this position remains a priority. The dismal contribution to Watford's goals and assists from last year's midfield must be improved. -- Michael Moruzzi
David de Gea said Manchester United made the correct decision appointing Jose Mourinho, adding the Premier League club have missed a manager like the Portuguese.
Mourinho was unveiled as United manager last month, replacing Louis van Gaal just days after the Dutchman won the FA Cup.
Van Gaal could only guide United to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season as the club missed out on the title for the third straight campaign.
But De Gea, who was reportedly ready to leave had Van Gaal stayed on as boss, believes Mourinho can lead United back to the English summit.
"I came to United to win trophies. It is true these last two years we have not been at the level the club deserves," De Gea told Cadena Ser.
"We hope that Mourinho, with his will to win, will make sure United to return to the top.
"I have not spoken with Mourinho and not asked team-mates about him. I think we already know him.
"At United we've missed a manager like Mourinho. With the personality and mindset of a winner. Getting him was right."
Mourinho was confirmed as Louis van Gaal’s successor in May after months of speculation.
The former Chelsea boss will be expected to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford after the Red Devils went a third straight campaign without winning the Premier League title.
And De Gea, who was reportedly ready to quit the club if Van Gaal wasn’t replaced, believes Mourinho is the man to take United back to where they belong.
“I came to United to win trophies,” the Spaniard told Cadena Ser. “It is true these last two years we have not been at the level the club deserves.
“We hope that Mourinho, with his will to win, will make sure United to return to the top.
"I have not spoken with Mourinho and not asked team-mates about him. I think we already know him.
"At United we've missed a manager like Mourinho. With the personality and mindset of a winner. The Mou signing for United is a wise move."
De Gea is currently in France preparing to represent his country at Euro 2016.
Spain, who are looking to win the tournament for the third time in a row, face the Czech Republic in their Group D opener on Monday.
David De Gea believes the current campaign is the best of his five so far at Manchester United in terms of individual performances as he looks forward to playing in his first FA Cup final.
After collecting the fans' Player of the Year prize for the third year running, De Gea was asked on MUTV if his 2015/16 exploits top his previous work on a personal level and after some thought, he replied: "This is probably my best season in Manchester but now we have some important games. We have something to win at Wembley."
De Gea also expressed his gratitude to the many thousands of supporters who voted for him again on ManUtd.com, saying: "It’s a big honour to receive the trophy three times in a row. I want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone. We know they are one of the best [sets of] fans in the world."
10 TWEETS ON DE GEA WINNING PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kyle Gardner @KyleGar1995: Congratulations mate you deserve it, you're the best keeper in the world, no doubt about it! Keep at it Dave! #GGMU
Vik @IconicNumber7: Not many win it 3 times never mind 3 times in a row!
Emma Beattie @Miss_EmJay96: Congratulations David, thoroughly deserved and congrats on a superb season in goal.
Sadikshya Bhandari @Sadikshya_: You deserve it! Thank you for everything David and here's to a lot more.
Tarbin Basnet @basnet_tarbin: Congratulations to the best goalkeeper in the world!
Mike Reidy @Mazza_1991: Well deserved award again! Best keeper United have ever had.
Rob Mills @Millz_10: Congratulations David! Well deserved! The next award you'll be holding is the FA Cup. Fanturinn @krissiii96: My favourite goalkeeper ever, you are my inspiration in life, best in the history of the game #MUFCPOTY #RedDevils #KingOfMufc
Iqbal Hussain @Icky_84: Congrats to @D_DeGea & well done on getting the Player of the Year! Especially 3 years in a row! Thoroughly deserve it! Amazing!
Yvonne Biggs @YvonneBiggs2: Well deserved you've been fantastic all season. Congratulations on your award :)
DAVID DE GEA thinks Manchester United can still have a good season by winning a trophy.
The Red Devils are in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and face West Ham at Old Trafford tomorrow looking to secure a trip to Wembley.
United have fallen below expectations so far this season - they sit sixth in the Premier League, were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and face an uphill battle to remain in the Europa League.
The FA Cup now represents their best chance of a trophy and De Gea thinks winning it for the first time since 2004 can rescue their campaign.
“To play [at Wembley] is a really good experience, as it is a stadium with a lot of history of big games and trophies - hopefully we will be there,” the Spaniard told MUTV.
“For a club like Manchester United, we always try to win everything. We have to give everything to win a trophy and that’s what we want – we’ll try to do our best to win a trophy and make it a good season.
“We know West Ham are a really good team, but we have to win to reach Wembley to be in the semi-final, and I think it’s a good moment to win this game.”
De Gea has once again been United's stand-out performer this season and his display against Liverpool on Thursday in ensured Louis van Gaal's side remained in the Europa League last-16 tie.
While Liverpool will take a 2-0 lead into the second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday, De Gea pulled off a string of fine saves to ensure the margin was not larger.
Zinedine Zidane has dismissed claims that Real Madrid will renew their attempts to sign Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea again this summer.
The Spanish giants saw a deal for the 25-year-old fall through on deadline day last summer after they failed to file the necessary paperwork on time to complete the transfer.
De Gea signed a new four-year deal with the Red Devils less than a fortnight later and he’s been in sensational form again for Louis van Gaal’s side this term.
However, with the Red Devils struggling to make next season’s Champions League, De Gea’s again been linked with a move to the Bernabeu but Zidane says he’s happy with his current crop of goalkeepers.
De Gea started the season in the stands because of his move to Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)
‘I am not thinking about that at all, I do not know what will happen at the end of this season,’ said Zidane.
‘I can tell you I am very happy with the keepers I have, not just with Keylor [Navas] who is playing, but with Kiko Casilla and Ruben too. That is the most important for me. Then we will see at the end of the season.’
