Victor Valdes makes debut five months after transfer

Victor Valdes made his Manchester United debut in the final home game of the season, replacing David de Gea in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

The former Barcelona goalkeeper joined the Red Devils back in January, but had only succumbed to appearances for the Under-21s, and featuring weekly on the bench for Louis van Gaal’s side. The Spaniard had impressed the manager when training during rehabilitation from an injury, but had to wait to make his debut.

And the goalkeeper was only able to appear in unfortunate circumstances, with de Gea – who had appeared in every minute of Manchester United’s season up to the top four clash – forced off in the 73^rd minute with a suspected hamstring injury.

As a result, Valdes was called from the sidelines, and donned his gloves for the first time, five months after his transfer as a free agent. However, it took just six minutes for the Gunners to beat Valdes, as Theo Walcott’s effort unfortunately deflected off Tyler Blackett before beating a helpless goalkeeper between the sticks.

The substitute came after vivid speculation that de Gea would be joining Real Madrid in the upcoming transfer window. Reports have suggested the 24-year-old recently turned down a £200k-a-week contract at the Theatre of Deals, and is expected to discuss a potential move back to Spain with his family at the end of the season.

If so, Valdes may become the number one choice for van Gaal, who could alternatively look for other options. However, the 33-year-old will be delighted to have had the opportunity to make his first-team debut before the close of the season, and in the final game of the campaign at Old Trafford.

However, with de Gea carried off on a stretcher, there was no sign of a goodbye from the goalkeeper. With Radamel Falcao replaced minutes earlier, the Colombian international applauded fans and waved, a potential goodbye as the loanee is expected to return to AS Monaco in the summer. With no similar action from the number one, supporters believe his future may still lie in the Premier League.

Victor Valdes joined Manchester United in the winter, after being released by Spanish outfit Barcelona at the end of his contract during the 2013/14 season.