Odion Ighalo 'banned from Manchester United training ground' fears over the coronavirus

Manchester United have reportedly banned Odion Ighalo from attending the club's training ground due to fears over the coronavirus.

During the closing minutes of deadline day, United completed the loan signing of Ighalo, who has been playing for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.

As it stands, the forward is in contention to make his debut against Chelsea on Monday night, but it appears that the 30-year-old is currently being prevented from working with his new teammates.

According to The Mirror, Ighalo is unable to make an appearance at Carrington in order to minimise any risk of the illness being passed on in the coming days.

Despite the chances of Ighalo carrying the coronavirus being regarded as extremely small, United made the decision to effectively apply a 14-day incubation period.

The measures being taken by United have been described as "precautionary".

Barcelona set to hijack Bruno Fernandes transfer

Barcelona are reportedly preparing to hijack Manchester United's move for Bruno Fernandes.
United made Fernandes their top January transfer target but have so far failed to reach an agreement with Sporting Lisbon.
The Red Devils are understood to be willing to pay around £55m with add-ons, although Sporting want £65m.They face a race against time to get the deal done and reports in Spain suggest Barcelona have now entered the race.

And the Catalan giants will then loan Fernandes to La Liga rivals Valencia for the remainder of the season.Barcelona and Valencia are still locked in negotiations over a deal to take Rodrigo to the Nou Camp.A medical is scheduled, with Valencia looking to take Nelson Semedo to the Mestalla from Barca
And the La Liga giants will also offer to loan Fernandes to their rivals, if they complete his signing from Sporting.

Match Report:Stoke City 2-1 Manchester United

Stoke deservedly beat Manchester United on home soil with two more goals from in-form Charlie Adam doing the damage.United started slowly, Jonathan Walters almost getting on the end of a ball that cut through the middle of the United defence. Any attempt at momentum from the visitors was interrupted by an early injury to Jonny Evans, who limped off to be replaced by Rafael. There were glimpses of class from United, Wayne Rooney's half-volley fizzing past the post before an uncharacteristically weak free kick from Juan Mata, and it was slightly against the run of play when Stoke took the lead. Charlie Adam took a free kick for Stoke and, despite standing 40 yards from goal, opted to take on the shot. His effort took a wicked deflection and whizzed past the static David de Gea. Moments later, United's afternoon got even worse as Phil Jones had to be stretchered off with a head injury. Minutes after the second half started, it looked like the United comeback was on when Robin van Persie tapped the ball past Asmir Begovic after some clever build-up play from Mata, but only five minutes later Stoke were back in the lead. It was Adam again who gave Stoke the lead, fizzing the ball into the top corner from 25 yards after a cushioned header from Walters. With Stoke leading it was left to United to mount some sort of resurgence, but they left it until the final few minutes of injury time. First Ashley Young made a mess of a free header in the box after a pinpoint cross from the wing from Chris Smalling, before Rooney's free kick was tipped onto the bar by Begovic. Ultimately Stoke made the most of an off day from United, to haul themselves into mid-table mediocrity and leave the visitors today with yet another huge dent in their hopes of finishing in the top four.

Match Report: Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United

Samuel Eto'o showed that he is still the man for the big occasion by scoring a hat-trick as Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1.The Cameroon international was a surprise inclusion in Jose Mourinho's starting line-up, while Fernando Torres dropped to the bench, but he kept Chelsea on the title trail with three well-taken goals. However, United's latest defeat leaves last season's champions struggling to secure a top-four finish this term. United started very brightly though and, in the third minute, Petr Cech was forced to make a good stop at his near post to deny Ashley Young who had played a neat one-two with Danny Welbeck to create the opening. When Chelsea finally launched their first attack in the 11th minute, Ramires' weak shot was safely gathered by David De Gea. Chelsea took the lead against the run of play in the 17th minute when Eto'o's left-footed shot deflected off Michael Carrick and looped over De Gea before nestling in the back of the net. Just past the half-hour mark, the lively Adnan Januzaj tricked his way past David Luiz and got to the byline but, when he pulled the ball back, neither Welbeck nor Antonio Valencia could tuck it home. In the 39th minute Welbeck could only fire straight at Cech when under pressure from Cesar Azpilicueta, and United were made to pay for that miss. Just before the interval, Oscar's acrobatic bicycle kick from ten yards out flew over De Gea's goal before Ramires sent Gary Cahill free down the right and the defender's cross was turned home from six yards out by the predatory Eto'o. Four minutes after the interval it was game over as, after Cahill's header from Willian's corner had been kept out by De Gea, Eto'o hammered home the rebound from all of two yards out. Although United substitute Javier Hernandez scored a late consolation goal, David Moyes' side were a well-beaten outfit and, to cap a dreadful afternoon for the visitors, Nemanja Vidic was shown a straight red card in stoppage time after hacking Eden Hazard down.

Rooney set to hand in Transfer Request

Wayne Rooney is on the verge of handing in a transfer request at Manchester United.Rooney is fuming at comments made by United manager David Moyes at the weekend which suggested he was now regarded as a second-choice striking option behind Robin van Persie. Rooney has taken that as a personal slight on a player who has given nine years' service to the Old Trafford cause and is "angry and confused" about his treatment. The offending words were delivered to Sunday newspaper journalists during a briefing with Moyes in Bangkok last week. Moyes said: "Overall, my thought on Wayne is that if for any reason we had an injury to Robin van Persie we are going to need him and I want as many options as possible." It has been widely interpreted as Moyes stating he regards Rooney as an understudy to the prolific Dutchman. And understandably, that has gone down very badly. A source close to the situation has highlighted Rooney's unhappiness, saying the England striker is 'confused and angry'. As far as the 27-year-old is concerned, he is at the peak of his career and has no intention of playing second fiddle to anyone, or being reduced to the ranks of becoming a squad player. With four Premier League titles and a Champions League winners' medal to his name, Rooney does not believe he has anything to prove at United.

Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester United

Manchester United came away from the Bernabeu with a highly satisfactory Champions League draw against Real Madrid.Danny Welbeck gave United an early lead and a crucial away goal from Wayne Rooney's corner - but former United golden boy Cristiano Ronaldo responded with a classic header to draw Real level before the interval.In an enthralling encounter that lived up to Real coach Jose Mourinho's claim that it was "the match the world wanted to see", both sides created opportunities to take a crucial lead to Old Trafford for the second leg of this last-16 tie in three weeks' time.De Gea brilliantly turned Fabio Coentrao's shot on to the post early on and, as a tight and tense game entered its closing stages, Robin Van Persie saw his drive pushed on to the bar by Real keeper Diego Lopez and had another attempt scrambled off the line by Xabi Alonso seconds later.

United's Spanish keeper, returning to his home city after making his name as a youngster with Real's great rivals Atletico, distinguished himself with a succession of saves and a display that backed up Ferguson's claim that he is approaching maturity and growing into life at Old Trafford.The result leaves the second leg delicately balanced but even as United took the acclaim of their travelling fans it was clear much work is still to be done before they can contemplate a place in the last eight. Real ominously illustrated their attacking riches led by the magnificent Ronaldo, who will relish his return to Manchester.United were without captain Nemanja Vidic and it soon became clear that Phil Jones was not under orders to shadow Ronaldo, with Rooney pushed to the right flank.
The tone was set for a magnificent first half as Real poured forward into attack. Angel Di Maria went narrowly wide and it took a top-class save from De Gea to touch Coentrao's low drive on to the upright.
After surviving that early pressure, United exploited Real's weakness at set pieces to secure an away goal after 20 minutes as Welbeck pulled away from Sergio Ramos to meet Rooney's corner and angle a fine header away from Lopez.
For all Real's failings at the back, they were attacking United from all angles. It was no surprise when they restored parity on the half hour - and no surprise that the source was Ronaldo.
In a moment reminiscent of his goal for United in the 2008 Champions League victory against Chelsea in Moscow, Ronaldo hung in the air to meet Di Maria's delivery and direct a header past the diving De Gea.
The celebration against his former club was subdued but this iconic arena did not hold back as his name rang around the Bernabeu.
United, however, had been encouraged by Real's defensive frailties as a stretching Welbeck almost produced the perfect response, only to direct his finish off target. Rooney then gave Real another anxious moment by shooting narrowly wide.Mourinho was prowling his technical area throughout and responded to chants of "sit down Mourinho" from United's travelling support perched high to his right with an imperious wave.Real maintained their impetus after the break and De Gea was in action again with an athletic stop at the far post to block Coentrao once more.Little had been seen of Van Persie, apart from an early yellow card after a clash with Sergio Ramos, but he burst into the action and could have twice restored United's lead.He was unfortunate as his rising shot was touched on to the bar by Lopez but he was guilty of a bad miss when he was presented with time and space in the area seconds later.As Real waited for an offside flag that never came, the normally clinical striker miscued his shot and its lack of power allowed Alonso to recover and clear off the line.De Gea rescued United again with 11 minutes left as Real continued to press, diving away to his right to clutch Sami Khedira's effort.Van Persie had one more chance to snatch a win for United in the closing seconds, but his angled drive was touched to safety by Lopez.

Rio and Anton Ferdinand issue statement as race row rumbles on

It has been a year since the incident at Loftus Road. During that time, some of the deep divisions that exist in football have been exposed. In the coming months there will be ongoing discussions, we are sure, on finding a way forward. We intend to participate in these discussions, along with numerous other current and ex-professionals of all races, from the grass roots upwards, across the football community as a whole.

On the issue of Kick It Out, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work they have done in the past regarding education and awareness. However, times change and organisations need to change with them. We are more than happy to join the discussion, privately, to make Kick It Out more relevant in its fight to stamp out racism in football.

Although we have been left disappointed by the PFA and the FA's actions over the last year, as a family, we are committed to working with football's existing organisations towards the betterment of the game and to achieve immediate action.

We would like to thank all the fans and the staff at Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United for their support in what has been a difficult year. In particular we want to thank Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes.

We will not be discussing publicly any issues connected with the case. We are now going to concentrate on playing football.

- Rio and Anton Ferdinand

Berbatov set to complete Fulham switch

Dimitar Berbatov is poised to finalise a move to Fulham.The Manchester United striker performed a dramatic U-turn on Wednesday, rejecting the advances of Serie A clubs Fiorentina and Juventus to undergo a medical with the Cottagers.

And if all goes to plan this morning, the 31-year-old Bulgarian will call time on his four-year spell at Old Trafford to be reunited with Martin Jol, whom he worked under at Tottenham.

Jol has money to spend after selling Mousa Dembele to Spurs and believes securing Berbatov's services would represent a massive coup for Fulham.

He said: "I'm a very happy man and I think our fans will be very happy and proud because it is probably the biggest signing in the history of the club, that is how I feel."

The two worked together at Tottenham before Berbatov moved to Manchester United and Jol said: "I said in my last period at Spurs he would go over my dead body but I'm still here and so is he.

"We have a good relationship. He knows he will enjoy his football with me that is for sure, hopefully he will score goals with other good players around him.

"He has got a very good record, if you look at his record internationally, and if you look at his record at Manchester United I don't think there are a lot of strikers, maybe (Robin) van Persie in five years' time, who could achieve that."

Everton 1-0 Manchester United

Robin van Persie started life at Manchester United with a defeat as Everton produced an outstanding performance to deservedly claim victory at Goodison Park.Sir Alex Ferguson's £24m signing from Arsenal emerged as a 67th-minute substitute - but he made a quiet introduction and was powerless to prevent United starting the Premier League season with a defeat - their first since they lost at Chelsea in 2004.And it was fitting that Everton's winning goal came from the outstanding Marouane Fellaini, who tormented Manchester United's makeshift defence throughout a thunderous evening on Merseyside.The giant Belgian's towering 57th minute header from Darron Gibson's corner finally ended the defiance of United keeper David de Gea, who had kept Everton at bay with a series of outstanding first half saves.Leon Osman also struck the crossbar - and when Van Persie was finally introduced Everton had an iron grip on the game and only looked like conceding the advantage Fellaini had given them when Phil Jagielka cleared off the line from Tom Cleverley.Everton have traditionally been slow starters but in this opening game they dominated United for spells, with keeper Tim Howard only being troubled by the occasional effort from Wayne Rooney.Goodison Park celebrated the victory noisily at the final whistle, leaving Ferguson to contemplate a lacklustre performance undermined by a reshuffled rearguard in which Michael Carrick never settled in his role as emergency central defender alongside returning captain Nemanja Vidic.

United were without Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans - and how Everton exploited the weakness.

Ferguson eased Van Persie into life at Old Trafford with a place on the bench, entrusting attacking duties to Rooney and England youngster Danny Welbeck.

United were grateful to keeper De Gea for a performance of defiance and athleticism that kept his side on terms as they were terrorised by the power and presence of Fellaini.

The young Spaniard stretched to turn over Steven Pienaar's header then dived to turn away the South African's shot as Everton applied pressure. He did even better to save Osman's shot on the turn and leap to claw away a free-kick from Leighton Baines that was destined for the top corner.

United had opportunities of their own but they were rarities, Howard saving twice from Rooney and Welbeck rolling a low shot wide as United claimed a penalty when he tangled with Jagielka.

United's biggest escape came just after the interval when Fellaini once more headed into the path of Osman, who did beat De Gea but held his head in anguish as his effort rattled the crossbar.Everton were not to be denied and finally got the lead they so deserved. The source was no surprise as Fellaini - who had simply been too much for Carrick - rose above him to power in Gibson's corner.

United gave Everton their most anxious moment after 66 minutes when Jagielka cleared off the line from Cleverley and seconds later Van Persie entered the fray in place of Welbeck.

However, with Jagielka and Sylvain Distin magnificent, Everton were in no mood to see their resistance broken and they claimed a win their efforts merited.Everton manager David Moyes: "I'm really pleased because we performed ever so well. We've often started the season slowly but just because we've won one game doesn't mean we've had a good start - as it would not have been a bad start had we lost.

"Marouane Fellaini is a really good player. We can play him behind the striker, in the middle or because of his power in the air we can play him as a defensive one as well.

"The only time we had a really good start here we ended in the Champions League places. I don't know if that's possible but it would be nice for us not to be playing catch up.

"David de Gea made some great saves. In the build-up it was all about Manchester United and what they could do - I felt people called that wrong because we are a tough team to beat at Goodison Park.

"We defended really well when we had to. Phil Jagielka was outstanding."

Chelsea and Manchester United after Dortmund star

Chelsea are still keen on Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski but reports claim Manchester United are favourites to land him.Blue boss Roberto Di Matteo is still on the hunt for Didier Drogba's replacement and Lewandowski is thought to be one of several strikers he is targeting.However Manchester United are also said to be keen on the Polish star and some sources claim the Reds are in the box seat to strike a deal.
Whether that is the case remains to be seen but Di Matteo is in the hunt for new players still, even though he is happy to go into the season with the squad he already has at his disposal."It depends if there is a good opportunity for us. Otherwise, I am happy with the squad," he revealed when quizzed whether there would be any further additions.Victor Moses, Hulk, Edinson Cavani and Stevan Jovetic are also said known to be targets.

Real Madrid £20m Bid for Nani

Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a surprise swoop for Manchester United winger Nani.Nani, whose contract expires in 2014, has yet to agree a new deal Old Trafford, despite Manchester United’s desire to extend his stay at the club.And according to protransfers.ru, Real Madrid are poised to capitalise on Nani’s failure to agree a new contract by testing United’s resolve with a £19.7m offer for the 25-year-old.
The Spanish champions believe their proposal could be boosted by the fact that Nani’s agent Jorge Mendes also represents Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho.
However, free-spending Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala are also interested in Nani, and they’ve earmarked the Portuguese winger as the latest high-profile target to join the club.

Real Madrid join Manchester United in chase for Fulham star

Spanish champions Real Madrid have become the latest big club to show interest in Belgium and Fulham play maker Moussa Dembele.Dembele’s agent Jan de Visser disclosed that several top European clubs have inquired on the availability of the 25-year old including the Spanish giants."Real Madrid have contacted us and asked about Moussa Dembele's availability," De Visser stated to De Telegraaf."They are not the first big club to make inquiries about Moussa this summer, though."The 24-year-old Belgium midfielder has made a huge impression since his £5m move from AZ Alkmaar in 2010 and he has been a revelation for the Cottagers ever since he was assigned a deeper role in the middle of the pack.Manchester United have made reclaiming the Premier League title from arch-rivals Manchester City their top priority and Dembele has emerged as one of the potential acquisitions to spruce up the Red Devils’ midfield.The Cottagers are thought to demand at least £15million for the 25-year-old who was arguably their best performer last season.Fulham boss, Martin Jol has a tough balancing act up his sleeve since he is faced with the prospect of losing both his key attacking players this summer, with Clint Dempsey heavily linked with a move away to Liverpool.

Robin van Persie on brink of Arsenal Exit

Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus have all made bids for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.The Holland forward admitted earlier in the summer that he will not be signing an extension to his current contract at the Emirates, which has just 12 more months to run.That left the Gunners facing the difficult decision to either cash in on the 28-year-old now or risk losing him on a free next summer.It looks like they have opted for the former after it was revealed Premier League rivals United and City as well as Italian giants Juve have made offers in the region of £15million for the striker.United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already added Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell to his squad this summer, but with Dimitar Berbatov poised to leave, the addition of van Persie would be a timely boost to the Red Devils' forward line.Arsenal are believed to be holding out for a fee in excess of £25million for the former Feyenoord man, who moved to north London for £2.75 million in 2004.However, it has also emerged that van Persie will not travel with the Gunners squad to Asia at the weekend for their three match pre-season tour, suggesting an agreement may be edging closer.

Machester United Chasing Tottenham's Luka Modric

Manchester United are set to turn their attentions to Luka Modric after Eden Hazard snubbed them for Chelsea by making a £22 million bid for the Tottenham playmaker .The Croatia midfielder has been on Sir Alex Ferguson's wish-list for some time.But although Tottenham value him at around £30m, United are unwilling to pay that much for the 26-year-old playmaker.Manchester United are confident of luring Modric since Spurs failed to secure Champions League football next season.The player tried to force through a move to Chelsea last summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy rejected offers from Stamford Bridge.Modric is now ready to submit another transfer request, with Tottenham unlikely to stand in his way for a second summer, the report added.However, Spurs will hold out for as much money as they can, and United are certain to have to increase their initial offer.

Manchester United land Kagawa

Manchester United have made their first signing of the summer after confirming they have “reached agreement” to buy Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund.Negotiations have been on-going with the Japan international for a number of weeks.The deal is subject to a medical and work permit, although this is thought to be a formality.It is not anticipated the deal will be completed until the end of the month as Kagawa is currently on international duty and played in Japan’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying-round victory over Oman at the weekend.“Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club,” said a United statement.“The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June.“Further details will be announced in due course.”Although the deal, which is expected to cost around £12 million, has been anticipated for some time, it is good news for United. On Monday, Eden Hazard explained why he thought Chelsea had “a better project” than the Red Devils, who lost their Premier League crown to Manchester City in agonising fashion last month.



Kagawa has already done enough in his two seasons in Germany to avoid the fate of Park Ji-Sung, who was initially condemned as a “trophy” signing following his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, designed purely to sell shirts in the lucrative Far East market.

He was named in the Bundesliga’s team of the season for 2010-11 despite being absent through injury for half the campaign.

Kagawa then went on to score 16 goals last term, when Dortmund completed the domestic league and cup double.

Ferguson and assistant Mike Phelan made a personal check on the 23-year-old the day before United’s final match at Sunderland, when they saw Kagawa grab one goal and create another in Dortmund’s 5-2 German Cup triumph over Bayern Munich.

The Japan team are training in Saitama, north of Tokyo, following the weekend win against Oman ahead of two more World Cup qualifiers against Jordan on 8 June and Australia on 12 June.

“I haven’t signed a contract yet, we still have two games left and the entire team is focused on these qualifiers,” Kagawa said. “I’ll talk about all of this once I am done here. I hope people will understand.”

Defender Rio Ferdinand was quick to offer his best wishes on Twitter. “Welcome to Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to Man Utd,” he said. “Here’s to a succesful [sic] time here bro!”

Dortmund wished Kagawa continued success at United. “He made huge contributions to the team over what has been a successful two years,” Dortmund director Michael Zorc said.

“We hope he continues to do well.”

Eden Hazard Joins Chelsea

Highly-regarded Belgian international midfielder Eden Hazard has opted to join European champions Chelsea ahead of Manchester City and Manchester United, the player said on Monday.
"I am signing for the Champions League winner," Hazard, 21, said on his Twitter feed.
Hazard, named the best Ligue 1 player in the last two seasons, had been expected to join either Premier League champions Manchester City or runners-up Manchester United after he said he would choose between the two.The gifted playmaker, capped 27 times by Belgium, led Lille to the French title in 2011 and scored 20 goals this season, including a hat-trick in his farewell game, as they finished third to qualify for next season's Champions League play-off.He announced in October that he would leave Lille at the end of the season.
Hazard made his league debut for Lille as a 16-year-old and quickly had scouts flocking to the club's Metropole stadium. His performances earned the Ligue 1's top prospect award for successive seasons, before he secured the full accolade in the last two campaigns.
With tremendous pace and an eye for goal, Hazard prefers to play on the left flank and his penetrating runs and tight ball control are a menace to any defence.

Baines Set for £15m Manchester United Move

Everton face a battle to keep hold of England left-back Leighton Baines after Manchester United contacted the club to make an offer.Reports suggest that Manchester United supremo David Gill has been in touch with Everton chief Bill Kenwright to make an opening offer of £12m for Baines, an offer which is almost certainly going to be turned down.However Manchester United are ready to match Everton's valuation of the player thought to be £15mBaines is under contract at the club and David Moyes has no need to sell but if the offer were to reach £15m  then he could use the cash to finance his own moves in the transfer market.It is widely thought that Moyes will allow one of his highly valued players to leave this summer so he can add to his squad and if the offer is enough then Baines could be the one.

Manchester City Raid Arsenal for van Persie

Robin van Persie is set for a sensational £25m move to Manchester City.Van Persie will hold crunch talks over his future on Wednesday and Arsenal fear he will tell them he wants to leave.City are leading a three-way battle for van Persie with Manchester United and Juventus but it is believed the newly-crowned Premier League champions are in pole position.Big-spending City are prepared to more than treble his wages to £250,000-a-week to snap up another Arsenal player after already signing Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure. Wenger has already insisted he will not sell van Persie to City for any price but Arsenal will not be able to match the contract on offer and then must decide whether to hold him to his contract or sell and cut their losses.Arsenal's board are believed to be ready to hold van Persie to his contract - but that may be tested by City's determination and whether the Arsenal striker forces the issue.It is another painful saga for Arsenal fans after losing Cesc Fabregas and Nasri last summer and it has become clear in recent weeks that van Persie has been reluctant to commit himself long term.

Japanese Star set to join Manchester United

Manchester United are set to sign Shinji Kagawa after Borussia Dortmund confirmed he will leave as he has snubbed a new contract offer.The German champions have revealed that the Japan international playmaker, whose 13 goals in 30 games helped them retain their Bundesliga title this season, will be departing to play in England this summer after he missed their deadline to sign a new deal which would have extended his stay until summer 2016.Sporting director Michael Zorc revealed last week that, while they do not want to sell Kagawa, they would listen to offers if the player was adamant that he wants to leave.And, on Thursday evening, Zorc confirmed: "Shinji is going to play in England because he has officially rejected our offer of a new contract."
It is being reported that United will win the race to sign Kagawa and have offered him a three-year contract at Old Trafford worth £5 million a year.

Manchester United Set to Bid for Julio Cesar

Manchester United are set to make an offer for Inter Milan keeper Julio Cesar, according to reports in Italy. Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be a big admirer of the Brazilian international who looks certain to leave the Italian giants during the summer. Reports in Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport are claiming that United will make an offer to sign the 32-year-old keeper. Cesar still feels he can compete at the highest level and would provide experienced cover for David De Gea who is still adjusting to life in the Premier League.