Erik ten Hag has managed to steady the ship, but the start of his reign as Manchester United’s new manager could not have been more inauspicious as his side succumbed to back-to-back defeats at the hands of Brighton and Brentford.
While neither player covered themselves in glory, David de Gea’s horrendous mistakes against the Bees drew much criticism. The Spaniard was to blame for three of the four goals conceded on that disastrous day.
The Spanish goalkeeper has always been an elite goalkeeper, but his ability with the ball at his feet and his reluctance to step off the line have held United back for a few seasons now.
ddg problems
With Ten Hag, those issues have become apparent, as the Dutchman prefers his team to build attacks from behind and the goalkeeper is expected to be able to pass accurately and under pressure.
????| Atletico Madrid are considering bringing David de Gea back to the club with the possibility of Jan Oblak leaving next summer.
Brentford’s David Raya and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez are two other options they are considering. ????????
[????: @GraemeBailey, @90min_Football] pic.twitter.com/C3DhJKqLB7
– Athletic Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 28, 2022
De Gea’s below-average passing ability was ruthlessly exposed by Thomas Frank’s side and, since the game against Liverpool, Ten Hag has chosen to extend himself because he doesn’t think his goalkeeper can handle his current demands.
And that has created numerous negative headlines with the latest news surrounding the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper: United are hesitating over whether to extend his current contract.
His poor form, his inability to adapt to the new manager’s methods and his huge salaries have all been cited as factors behind United’s reluctance.
90min has exclusively revealed that “Atletico Madrid are considering offering Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea a route back to the Spanish capital in 2023”.
DDG to Atlético, Oblak to Utd?
Numerous reports have linked the Red Devils with alternatives such as Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez should the Spaniard leave for free next summer.
But the strongest rumors have suggested that the English giants could be looking to add Jan Oblak to their roster. And if De Gea goes to his old club, United could get a bargaining chip.
However, the chase will be far from easy. The Evening Standard has reported that Tottenham Hotspur are looking to replace their skipper and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with Oblak. The French goalkeeper’s contract ends in 2024 and the Slovenian tops his wish list.
Chelsea were fans in the past when Frank Lampard was manager and they still retain interest.
Oblak’s contract with the La Liga giants runs until 2028 and his release clause is set at £107m. But Atletico are open to swapping their star goalkeeper and the upcoming summer transfer window could see a race between the three Premier League giants for Oblak.
The 29-year-old has spoken enthusiastically about a future move from the Premier League and United are hoping to win the race for one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment.
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