David de Gea plays in Spain win: 'Let's see if I also have some luck with Manchester United'

David de Gea has sent a message to manager Louis van Gaal ahead of the game against Liverpool after saying he hopes to "also have some luck" at Manchester United following his starting role with Spain in the 1-0 victory over Macedonia on 8 September. But the Spain international was coy on his long-term future at Old Trafford after his desired move to Real Madrid collapsed on Spanish transfer deadline day.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque decided to hand De Gea the number one role ahead of Iker Casillas in the European Championship qualifier despite the 'keeper not playing a game since United's pre-season game against Paris Saint-Germain in July. He missed the four first Premier League games of the campaign as well the Champions League play-off because Van Gaal believed he was not mentally ready to play amid speculation linking him with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Del Bosque claimed earlier in September that De Gea was in the right frame of mind to play after getting over the disappointment of his failed move to Real Madrid and the 'keeper responded with a clean sheet, with his United teammate Juan Mata scoring the only goal of the game.

After the game, De Gea expressed his delight regarding Del Bosque's trust and said he hopes Van Gaal will do the same at Old Trafford ahead of the crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on 12 September.

"I felt good. I was really longing to get back playing. I'll keep working and let's see if I also have some luck with my club," he told AS after the game. "The support I've received is very important to me. I have some magnificent teammates and I am very grateful to all of them.

"To be honest, we knew that Macedonia were going to give us a complicated game and that's what happened – particularly here at their ground. Juan grabbed a goal, which gave us three very important points."

When questioned about his future, as his current contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next summer, he said: "My future's going to be the same as it is now: I'm calm. I'll keep working and improving – in short, I'm enjoying my football and I'm happy."

Del Bosque also hailed his performance after the game. He said: "I knew that he would comply. He has had a good education and he's intelligent and mature. I knew he wouldn't let us down."