Keylor Navas’ comments on Man Utd transfer after an outstanding display for Nottingham Forest
Keylor Navas displayed to Manchester United on Sunday night the abilities they missed out on many years ago. In 2015, the Costa Rican footballer was on the verge of joining Old Trafford in a deal involving David De Gea transferring to Real Madrid.
Following Navas’ outstanding performance for Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Express Sport revisits the past saga.
Despite Manchester United’s win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with goals from Diogo Dalot and Antony, their chances of finishing in the top four seemed in jeopardy for a while. The Forest goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, proved to be a formidable opponent, denying several attempts from players like Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial with a series of impressive saves.
One of Navas’ saves, in particular, was noteworthy, as he leaped high to prevent Fernandes from scoring. The Costa Rican footballer demonstrated his skill, reminding fans of his previous achievements as a winner of numerous trophies with clubs like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
If events had taken a different turn in 2015, Navas would have become a Manchester United player. Real Madrid had set their sights on David De Gea that year, as they were not convinced that Navas was prepared to fill the void left by Iker Casillas’ departure.
De Gea was keen to move to Madrid, too, as he had doubts about whether United could compete for major trophies after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson two years earlier.
Despite Real’s intense efforts, United were hesitant to part ways with De Gea, so the two sides considered a swap deal that involved Navas. However, the transfer fell apart on the final day of the deadline, and United and Real both accused each other of being responsible for the failure to complete the deals.
After the collapse of the potential swap deal in 2015, Navas shared his perspective on the situation and confessed that he never wanted to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United.
“I cried that night when I found out I was staying, it was a build-up of emotions. I didn’t want to leave, Madrid is my home,” he said.
“I never wanted to leave Real Madrid. My agent told me to be alert to my phone. We had to go to Barajas [airport], although I never actually got on a plane – I was in a waiting room.
“I thought that if God wanted me to leave Madrid, it would be for the best, but he didn’t want me to and I’m still here.”
In 2021, Navas spoke about the failed swap deal again and revealed that he had strong emotions regarding the matter. He admitted that he “burst” due to the intense feelings involved in the situation.
“This was one of the worst days of my life,” Navas explained.
“I didn’t cry that day, but I did after all was said and done when I was with my wife.
“I was waiting in the airport even without suitcases. I was not on the plane, but I was near.
“In the end, after everything that happened, many complicated moments, we’re human and eventually the time comes when you burst.”
Following Manchester United’s victory over Nottingham Forest, Bruno Fernandes praised Navas for his outstanding performance in Forest’s loss.
“I just said to Keylor [Navas] that today you only saved mine!” he told Sky Sports.
“In the first half the one with the little deflection and the second half an amazing save, another one close to the post.
“I miss a great opportunity with the header. The result is the most important for me, we want to get points because we want to be in the Champions League next season, we want to be in the top four this season, obviously.
“I want to get my goals but first the team always comes first.”
Keylor Navas’ comments on Man Utd transfer after an outstanding display for Nottingham Forest
