David de Gea Spain decision could be a sign of things to come at Manchester United

When the votes are tallied for Manchester United's player of the season in May only Cristiano Ronaldo can prevent David de Gea from having to find room for a fifth Sir Matt Busby trophy.

De Gea has been back to his best for United in 2021/22, although once again his best form for the club has come during a campaign everyone wants to forget.

It's inevitable that goalkeepers will get the chance to shine in an underperforming team and De Gea has thrived on the work he's had to do this season.

READ MORE: Enrique hints why De Gea has been left out of Spain squad

Only the constantly-unprotected Islan Meslier has made more saves in the Premier League this season than De Gea and the Spaniard's strengths - being an outstanding shot-stopper - have been needed during a campaign when United's defence has been leakier than the Old Trafford roof.

The 31-year-old has taken on more leadership duties over the previous 18 months as well and he was the player who conducted post-match interviews on Tuesday, after his reunion with Atletico Madrid had ended in a Champions League exit at the last-16.

De Gea looked forlorn as he sat in the press room in the Sir Bobby Charlton stand, but a bad week got worse on Friday when his name was absent for the Spain squad for games against Albania and Iceland during this international break.

Ahead of the first leg of the tie with Atletico three weeks away De Gea might have seen this two-legged fixture as a chance to remind people in his home country of his own talents, having not played for Spain since his error against Ukraine in October 2020 led to a 1-0 Nations League defeat.

De Gea was caught out of position for Viktor Tsygankov's goal that day, struggling to adapt to the high line played by Luis