David de Gea deal would undermine two Manchester United players

If there was ever a time for rumours of David de Gea returning to Manchester United to be made public, the day after his replacement saved the day was probably the worst.

Just 24 hours after Andre Onana saved the day with his heroic penalty save against Copenhagen on Tuesday night, a report claimed that United were prepared to offer De Gea a short-term deal to offer cover in goal.

For what it is worth, club sources have dismissed the suggestion that United would offer the Spaniard another chance at the club after his prolonged exit over the summer.

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United have often deployed such a cautious approach in terms of squad selection. It is the same reason they are so reluctant to let peripheral squad players leave, just in case they might be required, even when it seems so obvious to sell them.

Those feelings might be heightened at the moment, given the recent injury crisis that has seen United limited in defence, particularly at full-back, where they had four of their five senior options all sidelined.

There is still uncertainty over whether Onana could miss as many as nine matches early next year following Cameroon's qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, with the goalkeeper free to make his own choice on whether he wants to represent his country at such a prestigious event.

United's own selfish perspective is that they would rather have their £47 million man available if possible, though they won't stand in his way if this is something he wants to pursue.

Whatever happens, it certainly raises the question of having a viable back-up option who can actually be trusted to replace Onana