United keeper 'caught nicking doughnut'

The Spaniard was accused by the store of helping himself to the glazed ring doughnut without paying for it.

The incident was recorded on CCTV at a Tesco Extra store in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, when De Gea was spotted lifting the Krispy Kremes doughnut. He was tackled by security guards as he tried to leave.

The 20-year-old recently joined Alex Ferguson's club in a €21m deal. He was brought into the shop's 'stop and search' room and the former Atletico Madrid player was questioned by staff who spoke fluent Spanish.

According to onlookers, David strolled into the shop flanked by two Spanish pals, who helped themselves to the sweet snacks in plain view. A witness said: "They weren't very subtle -- they swaggered in chatting loudly in Spanish. The security guards who monitor the CCTV watched two of them take a doughnut each out of the Krispy Kreme cabinet.

"Amazingly, they appeared to try and leave without paying -- or buy anything else."

However, David managed to look embarrassed and apologetic when drilled by security and despite his hiccup, has avoided getting a three-month ban from the store -- Tesco policy for any alleged shoplifters.

"A customer was spoken to by our security team and the issue has been resolved," a spokesperson said last night.

Seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the business, the United newcomer took a while to find his feet at the top English club, but manager Ferguson is fully supporting the young Spaniard.

"He's 20 years of age and doesn't know the culture of the country," Ferguson said of him earlier this month.

hnews@herald.ie