Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea nearly signed for Wigan Athletic after leaving Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniard has been at the club since 2011 where he has played an integral part, winning countless team trophies and individual accolades along the way.
He is among the few players who are still there at United from the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
United’s No 1 has made over 25 Premier League appearances in each season since joining the club, highlighting his consistency over the years.
In an interview conducted by BT Sport for their episode of ‘What I Wore’, De Gea revealed what nearly happened before his eventual transfer to United.
David De Gea: “When I was the third goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid, Wigan contacted me to sign for them and I was very very close to sign for Wigan.” [@btsportfootball] pic.twitter.com/Gn5KVeFLZk
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) September 14, 2022
“When I was the third goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid, Wigan contacted me to sign for them and I was very very close to sign for Wigan.”
United fans may remember the transfer speculation at that time with the Red Devils being linked with the goalkeeper for the entirety of the 2010-11 season before his move was completed at the start of the next season.
Legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar had retired at the end of that season, meaning a new goalkeeper was always going to come.
Sir Alex Ferguson had claimed that a deal had been struck at the end of the 2010-11 campaign but wasn’t officially confirmed.
It was only a month later that the transfer was made official and De Gea took the No 1 jersey that he still holds.
In recent seasons, his performances have dipped but nobody has managed to dethrone him from the No 1 spot. Dean Henderson had the best chance but ended up going out on loan to Nottingham Forest.
The Peoples Person reported the news that Erik ten Hag had wanted to bring a goalkeeper in that could compete with De Gea.
Martin Dubravka completed a successful loan move from Newcastle United where he is expected to be the No.2 throughout the season.
