Manchester United: Spanish press uncertain on David De Gea regaining starting role against Macedonia

Spanish media sources have sparked further doubt over David de Gea's future, failing to confirm if the Manchester United outcast will be the national team's goalkeeper for tonight's (8 September) European Championship qualifier against Macedonia. Both AS and Sport say Iker Casillas, who started in the 2-0 victory over Slovakia, will remain between the sticks. However, Marca believes that Vicente del Bosque is ready to hand De Gea his first competitive appearance of the season – just days before United's tie against Liverpool on 12 September.

De Gea has not played any game since United's pre-season friendly against Partis Saint-Germain in July. Louis van Gaal has left the Spaniard out of his squad for all four Premier League matches this campaign, due to speculations linking him with a move to Real Madrid. But Del Bosque revealed earlier this week he would be happy to play De Gea if he feels he has overcome the disappointment of his failed move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"He's in a condition to play. We have talked with him and he is fine. I do not know if he will play or not but he is OK and that's all I wanted to know. He is a mature guy and is ready to play without suffering any burden of what happened," Del Bosque said to Cope. "I have talked to him this morning. I did not want to give him any advice because many people have already done it. I just asked whether he was in a condition to play and he told me yes. Nothing else."

AS and Sport, however, believe De Gea will remain in exile as Casillas has been the number one during the Spanish qualification campaign – with the United goalie only playing the friendlies.

Marca, though, believe Del Bosque will make an exception against Macedonia by handing his number two a starting role in order to bring De Gea out of his exile.

The Telegraph recently reported that De Gea could return to the Manchester United starting line-up against Liverpool should he play for Spain against Macedonia. However, if he sees another game from the bench, Van Gaal would be unlikely to hand him his first starting role of the campaign in such a crucial clash with the Red Devils' long-time rivals.

More about Manchester United