Erik ten Hag’s uncertainty over David De Gea is behind Manchester United’s U-turn on his contract – with the Spanish goalkeeper now set to leave after club withdrew their initial offer and returned with a lower one
Erik ten Hag’s uncertainty about David de Gea is behind Manchester United’s U-turn over a new contract for the Spanish goalkeeper.
Mail Sport revealed earlier this month that the framework for a new contract aimed at reducing De Gea’s £375,000-a-week wage had been agreed between the player and the club, but Ten Hag’s reservations over keeping his No.1 had put the deal in jeopardy.
Reports emerged on Tuesday claiming that De Gea had signed the new contract before United backed out and then tabled an even lower offer.
The 32-year-old’s future at Old Trafford now looks more uncertain than ever with just three days to go before he becomes a free agent. United could still re-sign De Gea after that date, but it seems unlikely in the circumstances.
The probable outcome is that De Gea will leave after 12 years at United and look for a new club amid lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League.
David De Gea’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain with days left before his contract expires
Erik ten Hag is unconvinced about keeping De Gea as his No 1 and wants a new first-choice
United have held exploratory talks over a deal for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana as a replacement, although talk of a £50million bid is said to be premature.
Club figures met with Onana’s agent, Albert Botines, last week for discussions over a potential move, though the final decision hinges on the future of De Gea.
Onana, who started for Inter during their Champions League final defeat by Manchester City in Istanbul, played for Ten Hag during his spell with Ajax.
The likes of Porto stopper Diogo Costa, Brentford’s David Raya and Anderlecht’s highly-rated youngster Bart Verbruggen have also been assessed by United, who have also spoken to potential No.2s in case De Gea does remain at the club.
United need to sell players to finance new signings this summer and ideally they would prefer to secure De Gea on a new deal rather than have to buy a replacement.
However, Ten Hag has reservations after a season in which De Gea was criticised for a number of high-profile errors and his proficiency with the ball at his feet, even though he still won the Premier League’s Golden Glove award.
It came to a head in the FA Cup Final last month when De Gea was faulted for Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial second goal in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over their neighbours, and once again came under fire for his poor distribution from the back.
United have held exploratory talks with Inter Milan over a potential move for Andre Onana
Despite De Gea winning the 2022-23 Golden Glove, Ten Hag is searching for another stopper
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