Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes has admitted he remains uncertain over his future at the club, and is yet to be told if he will be handed the number one jersey should David de Gea join Real Madrid in the summer.
The Spanish international was forced to make his first team debut for the Red Devils on Sunday during a 1-1 draw against Arsenal, replacing an injured de Gea. Conceding six minutes after entering the play, the former Barcelona shot stopper could not blamed as Theo Walcott’s effort took a wicked deflection off Tyler Blackett.
He is now expected to make his first start for the club five months after joining as a free agent, with his fellow countryman likely to be ruled out through injury. The 24-year-old faces a battle to return to face Hull City, in what many believe could be his final game for the Reds.
And despite the possibility of the current first-choice goalkeeper heading to Madrid in the summer, his likely replacement remains in the dark over his prospects. Louis van Gaal recently stated he had identified potential replacements for de Gea should he depart, with Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Chelsea’s Petr Cech potential candidates.
Valdes signed an 18-month deal after returning from a nasty injury, which saw him join former boss van Gaal in training for rehabilitation, and the 33-year-old has an impressive history – which includes six La Liga titles and three Champions League winners’ medals.
“It felt very good,” he said when asked about his debut. “David asked to come off very quickly and the next thing I knew I was on the pitch. It was a great feeling to be on the pitch at Old Trafford, the fans welcomed me very well and for that reason I am happy
“I wasn’t happy with the result because it wasn’t a good one for us. It was a lucky goal for them, but I’m happy I made my debut. It was all very quick: David came off and I didn’t know what was happening, but then someone said ‘Victor, get in there'”.
“It’s been a good few months; my team-mates have treated me well here. The coach has also treated me well. The truth is that it has all been good. We have an incredible group of fans – to come on and be welcomed like that is incredible for a footballer.”
Victor Valdes replaced David de Gea after 73 minutes into his side’s final home game of the season to make his first start for the senior set-up.
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