Former Real Madrid star Guti has told Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea he should take comfort in the fact that Real Madrid will wait for him - even if he has to spend the whole 2015-16 season sitting in the stands.

The 24-year-old Spain international was left in limbo on the final day of the transfer window when his long-mooted move to the Santiago Bernabeu broke down due to the late filing of paperwork, prompting a public spat between both clubs as they apportioned blame on each other for the deal’s collapse.

The status of De Gea, who is out of contract at the end of this campaign, will be in significant focus ahead of United’s home game against Liverpool on Saturday.

Guti, 38, spent 15 seasons with Real and has urged the shot stopper to stay patient as he waits for his move, even if Louis van Gaal does not bring him back into the starting XI now that there is no immediate danger of his departure.

"De Gea is one of the two or three best keepers in the world and it is a shame what has happened," he is quoted as saying by AS.

"All of Madridismo was hoping that he would come this season. The president did everything possible to bring him here, but it wasn't to be.

"I hope that he is able to handle a year in the wilderness if he is left in the stands and that he knows that the best team in the world is waiting for him after that."