LONDON (AP):

After the failed move to Real Madrid, goalkeeper David De Gea is finally set to make his first appearance of the season for Manchester United today against old rival Liverpool.

Held back by United manager Louis van Gaal because of the turmoil surrounding his future, yesterday's announcement by the club that De Gea had signed a four-year contract should clear the 24-year-old Spain international to finally play.

The deal, which ties him to the club until 2019, should also help United move on from some unwanted speculation about Van Gaal's training regime and a report that players had complained about his approach.

The Dutchman said that captain Wayne Rooney and the team's vice captain had raised some concerns — but Van Gaal maintained that he had "a superb relationship" with his players.

"Rooney and Michael Carrick came to me and said: 'The dressing room is flat.'"

Van Gaal added: "In my career as a manager, I didn't have so many who come to say something about the atmosphere in the dressing room or the way we train, or something like that ... . But it is very positive that they are coming to you and that they trust you."

Between them, United and Liverpool have dominated English football for decades and their encounters have produced plenty of passion, controversy and red cards.

However passionate it may be, though, it's now a match with more history than significance for the title.

Superseded by Manchester City and Chelsea at the top, the more realistic objectives for United and Liverpool are a place in next season's Champions League.