Cesar Azpilicueta has claimed that goalkeeper David de Gea will be welcomed back into Manchester United's first team by fans despite his botched Real Madrid move.
The 24-year-old looked on course to join the Santiago Bernabeu club after a summer-long transfer saga, but delayed paperwork in the final stages of Spain's deadline day saw the prospective deal fail to materialise.
Nevertheless De Gea, who had been exiled by manager Louis van Gaal amid the speculation, is expected to come back into the fold, and Spain teammate Azpilicueta believes that the United fans will bear no ill will for their Player of the Year last term.
"As a rival, I've experienced the affection the United fans have for De Gea," the Chelsea defender told reporters. "They always respect him and they will continue to do so.
"He is very loved there, and the United fans will welcome him with respect."
De Gea's contract expires next summer.
Shane Callaghan
