Manchester United have hit back at Real Madrid President Florentino Perez over the collapsed deal for Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea.
Perez had described the Red Devils’ handling of De Gea’s transfer deal as a “disgrace”, saying their ‘lack of experience’ was the main reason behind the breakdown of deal.
The 24-year-old was on the verge of joining Real after a final £29.5m offer was accepted by United, but the deal sensationally collapsed at the last moment because the La Liga side received the required documentation 28 minutes after the European deadline on August 31.
Perez has since blamed Old Trafford bosses for their ‘lack of experience.
However, United has hit back over the criticism, stating that they had submitted all their paperwork before the deadline.
“The facts speak for themselves. The FA are prepared to back our case that documents were in on time,” A United spokesman said.
“We all like to blame others but if you let one slip through your fingers into the back of the net, then ultimately the culpability is yours.”
De Gea has been in United’s squad for Champions League after having been left out for all six games this season amid the transfer speculations.