Real thing: The Spanish giants still want to sign De Gea in the summer

Huge Manchester United blow as De Gea extends casualty list to 14 players

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

18 Feb 2016, 12:38 pm

By North-west correspondent Alex Stevens

David de Gea has joined Manchester United's casualty list after getting injured in the warm-up ahead of their Europa League clash against Midtjylland.

The goalkeeper had been selected to start the away leg of the last-32 tie in Denmark but broke down during pre-match preparations.

Argentine Sergio Romero was hastily summoned from the substitute's bench to replace De Gea in the starting X1.

There is no keeper on the bench as third-choice goalkeeper Sam Johnstone did not travel with the squad as he is injured as well.

So to confirm, our team is now as follows: Romero, Love, Smalling, McNair, Blind, Herrera, Carrick, Lingard, Mata, Memphis, Martial. #mufc
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 18, 2016

De Gea becomes remarkably the 14th United player unavailable for selection for this match as the club's injury crisis takes on unprecedented levels.

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out for up to two months after suffering knee ligament damage.

Manchester United

David de Gea

Sergio Romero