I’m here to stay! David de Gea insists he has ‘many years’ ahead of him at Manchester United as goalkeeper lays down the gauntlet to rival Dean Henderson for No 1 spot ahead of the new campaign
- David de Gea has insisted that his long-term future is at Manchester United
- The goalkeeper has faced criticism for a dip in performances in recent years
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for Dean Henderson towards the end of last season
- However, the Spaniard is adamant that his future remains at Old Trafford
David de Gea has insisted that he has ‘a lot of years ahead’ at Manchester United as the Spanish stopper laid down the gauntlet to Dean Henderson in the pair’s battle for No 1 status at Old Trafford.
De Gea has long been United’s top goalkeeper, with the former Atletico Madrid man emerging as one of the world’s top stoppers during his 10-year stay with the Red Devils.
However, inconsistent performances in recent seasons has seen the Spaniard’s stock fall, leading to calls for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to ponder changing his man between the sticks.
David de Gea insists that his long-term future remains at Old Trafford amid an uncertain spell
And the Norwegian responded to those calls last campaign, with Henderson enjoying a run in the team onset by De Gea’s return to Spain for the birth of his child.
Henderson’s positive displays for United have seen De Gea’s future at Old Trafford scrutinised, with reports emerging that the club’s hierarchy now regretting handing the goalkeeper a bumper £375,000 a week deal in 2019.
Yet De Gea – who returned to pre-season training early to set his stall out for a big campaign – maintains that his future remains at United.
‘It’s been a lot of years at the club and a great source of pride for me to have been able to play for a club like Manchester United for so many seasons now,’ De Gea told the club’s official website on his 10-year milestone.
The Spaniard has been locked in a battle for the No 1 position with keeper Dean Henderson
However, De Gea views ‘many years ahead’ for himself with the Premier League club
‘But you have to live in the present, I think I still have a lot of years ahead of me at the club, I’m excited about that, feeling strong and I’m very keen to do well.
‘I feel great in myself, high in confidence and I think it should be – and has to be – an important season for all of us.’
United have enjoyed a strong summer, with the club finally landing long-term target Jadon Sancho in a £73million deal, while Raphael Varane is on the verge of concluding his £42m switch from Real Madrid.
De Gea is expected to start United’s opening game of the season against Leeds United, with Henderson still not fully fit having contracted coronavirus.
All eyes will be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he decides who will be his No 1 this season
