Manchester United's Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero has revealed that he has accepted the fact that he will play second fiddle to David de Gea at the club.
The 28-year-old was signed by manager Louis van Gaal on a Bosman in the summer and has appeared in between the sticks for United six times this season, conceding only thrice. However, after De Gea's proposed move to Real Madrid collapsed in a terrible manner in a deadline day fracas, Romero says that he knew that he was going to return to the bench.
Romero conceded few but worried many in opening games
Although the former Sampdoria man hasn't conceded many goals, his overall performance and command in the box is highly questionable. The Stretford End had their mouths in their heart every time Romero was in possession of the ball in the penalty box as he was very, very indecisive. Moreover, his distributions weren't the greatest either.
His frailties were completely exploited at the Liberty Stadium when Swansea City's Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew beat him with relative ease to earn their team all the three points. It led people to discuss as to whether or not the goals would've been conceded had De Gea been the man in between the sticks rather than the Argentine.
Romero understands situation at United, happy to sit on bench
Romero, who is away on international duty with Argentina was addressing assembled reporters and said he "took advantage of the matches the coach gave me as a starter". Yet after De Gea renewed his contract, "it was obvious that" Romero "was going to return to the bench."
"De Gea earned his place during all the years he was there. The manager spoke with me and I understood perfectly."
With United being heavily involved in four competitions this season, you'd imagine it's only a matter of time before van Gaal gives Romero another start in order to keep the squad fresh and thereby maintain a good rotation policy.