David de Gea will be 'welcomed back' by United team-mates

Former Manchester United assistant manager Steve Round believes David de Gea will be 'welcomed back with open arms' against Liverpool this weekend.

De Gea has not played a competitive game for United since the middle of May but could be in line for a recall in Saturday's clash at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports' Saturday Night Football.

United manager Louis van Gaal resisted picking the Spain international goalkeeper for the opening matches of the campaign while he was linked with a move back to La Liga with Real Madrid.

However, due to a mix up on transfer deadline day, the 24-year-old's expected move to the Bernabeau fell through.

And Round, who was assistant manager to David Moyes during the 2013-14 season, says the players will be delighted to have a keeper of De Gea's quality back in the side.

Speaking to sports6news HQ he said: "He's an integral part of the United team and so influential. The players have no problem with David.

"He's such a good professional and a good guy around the place and very popular. I think they'll welcome him back without a doubt. There won't be any issues within the dressing room whatsoever.

"The boys will be glad to see him play, he is such a good goalkeeper and if I was a defender, I would want De Gea behind me.