Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal heaped praise on unsettled goalkeeper David De Gea after the Spaniard returned from injury to thwart Barcelona here Saturday.
De Gea missed the first two matches of United's US tour with an undisclosed injury that fuelled speculation about his possible transfer to Real Madrid, who want him to replace Iker Casillas.
However De Gea returned to face Barcelona at the Levi's Stadium to play a key role in United's 3-1 friendly victory, pulling off a couple of important saves in a commanding display between the sticks.
One stop, when he denied Sergi Roberto an opener for Barcelona after only five minutes, proved crucial as United swept upfield and scored two minutes later.
Van Gaal expressed his admiration for De Gea's ability to return to form despite an injury lay-off.
"In spite of his injury, he doesn't train for one week, he showed his quality in this game," van Gaal said.
"The first chance was for Barcelona and when you stop the first chance you can score the first goal and that is always a difference in the game."
Van Gaal admitted he was keen to keep De Gea but said ultimately the decision may be out of his hands.
"Yes of course I do hope De Gea shall stay, but in this world of football you never know," he said.
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