Can trusted Romero stop De Gea returning between Old Trafford sticks?

Having conceded just three so far in those six outings, keeping four successful shut outs in total, Romero is hoping his performances will be enough to retain the number one position in Van Gaal’s side.

“Playing for United is a dream and if God helps me this dream will never end,” said Romero. “As I have been saying, I have to thank Van Gaal for trusting me. Although I had not done a pre-season, I started playing for the biggest club in the world.

“It’s important for a goalkeeper to have this support because there is no rotation between goalkeepers – a goalkeeper starts or he is benched. They are the only two choices – there is not a third one.

“Let me tell you, I don’t think that the goalkeeper spot in United is already mine. I do know that I have a huge support from Van Gaal and his staff.”

Romero was heavily criticised for United’s first defeat of the season prior to the international break, when he failed to deal with Swansea City’s Bafetimbi Gomis, as the Frenchman fired home the winner.

Although, following the loss, Van Gaal was reluctant to blame Romero for the dropped points, and the Argentine shot-stopper could ultimately keep his place for United’s next clash against Liverpool, which they are 19/20 to win.

Previously left out by Van Gaal, De Gea will soon return to his current employers and is likely to be reinstated to the squad, but whether or not he will feature in the starting line-up again anytime soon is questionable.

The Spaniard recently helped his nation edge closer to Euro 2016 qualification, having dethroned new Porto stopper and Real legend Iker Casillas in goal, the man who he was previously outlined as the long-term replacement for at the Bernabeu.

Speaking ahead of his comeback to club duties, De Gea was tight-lipped on his future, as usual, having revealed very little during the entire summer transfer saga in which took centre stage.

“I felt good,” said De Gea after his first competitive game of the season against Macedonia. I really wanted to play. Now I need to keep working and see if I have some good fortune at my club as well.”

With Victor Valdes having also felt the full force of his manager’s possibly harsh treatment, it looks like being an interesting battle between De Gea and Romero for the number one spot, but things are always unpredictable with Van Gaal in charge.