MU: Keeper David de Gea dropped from the squad's calendar

But as the transfer battle between the clubs raged, United bosses decided to include new star-signing Anthony Martial.

The 19-year-old was chosen over de Gea because they feared having a former player on their official merchandise.

But the club have been left with egg on its face as 24-year-old de Gea is back and displaying star performances which have earned him the fans and players Player of the Year awards for consecutive seasons.

"Marketing ran out of time," said a source.

"They were desperate to include de Gea but thought he might go.

"They could not risk having an ex-star on fans' walls."

Manchester United refused to comment on De Gea's absence from the calendar.

(dailystar.co.uk)