Manchester United insist Real Madrid were the ones to blame for the apparent – though perhaps not total – collapse of David de Gea's proposed move to the Bernabeu.
United and Madrid had agreed a deal worth £29 million (Dh164m) for the sale of the Spanish goalkeeper on Monday, with Keylor Navas coming to Old Trafford as part of the agreement.
But shortly after the deadline for European transfers, midnight in Spain (2am UAE), it emerged the necessary paperwork had not been lodged in time and the deal had therefore fallen through.
There was no sign of De Gea's name, nor that of Navas, on a confirmed list of La Liga transfers, which was published after the deadline had passed.
United insist they uploaded the requisite documents to Fifa’s Transfer Matching System before Monday’s deadline.
Read more: Manchester United dysfunction reflecting more and more on Louis van Gaal himself, writes Richard Jolly
Sources at Old Trafford have rejected reports in Spain that they submitted their paperwork after the deadline and claim they have a time-stamp from Fifa as proof.
It is understood that United feel it was Madrid who failed to file their paperwork in time and believe they must take the blame for the deal’s collapse. Reports in Spain indicated the documents did not reach the Spanish league office until 28 minutes after the deadline.
Although Madrid retain a glimmer of hope that the deal will somehow go through, there have never been any successful appeals regarding late transfers in the league’s history.
In February this year, Levante lost an attempt to overturn a ruling that cancelled their loan bid for Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz because they had missed the deadline for submission.
Quite why Madrid left it so late to try to secure De Gea’s signature is a source of debate among the powers that be at Old Trafford.
Madrid made De Gea their No 1 target earlier this summer following the departure of Iker Casillas to FC Porto and the two-time United player of the year himself was determined to complete the move.
De Gea, 24, who joined United from Madrid rivals Atletico Madrid four years ago, hails from the Spanish capital and his pop star girlfriend Edurne Garcia also lives in the city.
But it was not until the final day of the window that Madrid made their first significant bid for the player, and that was too late to get the deal over the line.
Also see: The National's Transfer Talk page
The United board are said to be “relaxed” about the situation.
Although De Gea is yet to play for the club this season, United know they will now have a world-class goalkeeper to choose, should he be deemed mentally fit enough to play in Louis van Gaal’s eyes.
The United manager will be hoping to wrap up his £36m move for Monaco striker Anthony Martial before the Premier League transfer window shuts at 6pm (9pm UAE) on Tuesday.
More incomings and outgoings are expected. United have received offers for defender Marcos Rojo, but he wants to stay.
Young striker James Wilson could go out on loan.
Winger Adnan Januzaj was the first out of the door on Monday, joining Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan.
He was closely followed by striker Javier Hernandez, who signed for Bayer Leverkusen for €10 million (Dh41.4m). Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard became the third United player to leave on Monday when he signed for West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
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Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now