Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was about to sign for Wigan Athletic after leaving Atlético de Madrid.
The Spaniard has been with the club since 2011, where he has played an integral role, winning countless team trophies and individual accolades along the way.
He is one of the few players still at United from the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
United’s number 1 has made more than 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 its ‘What I Wore’ episode, De Gea revealed what almost happened before his eventual transfer to United.
David De Gea: “When I was Atlético de Madrid’s third goalkeeper, Wigan contacted me to sign for them and I was very, very close to signing for Wigan”. [@btsportfootball] pic.twitter.com/Gn5KVeFLZk
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) September 14, 2022
“When I was Atlético de Madrid’s third goalkeeper, Wigan contacted me to sign for them and I was very, very close to signing for Wigan”.
United fans may recall transfer speculation at the time with the Red Devils linked with the goalkeeper for the entirety of the 2010-11 season before his move was completed at the start of next season.
Legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar had retired at the end of that season, which meant that a new goalkeeper would always arrive.
Sir Alex Ferguson had claimed a deal had been reached at the end of the 2010-11 campaign, but it was not officially confirmed.
Only a month later the transfer was made official and De Gea took the number 1 shirt that he still has.
In recent seasons, his performances have dropped but no one has managed to dethrone him from the number 1 spot. Dean Henderson had the best chance but ended up going out on loan to Nottingham Forest.
The Peoples Person picked up the news that Erik ten Hag had wanted to bring in a goalkeeper who could compete with De Gea.
Martin Dubravka completed a successful loan spell from Newcastle United, where he is expected to be No.2 for the full season.
