Erik ten Hag’s reign as Manchester United manager has seen most of the previously underachieving stars regain their mojo.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot are all playing true to their potential and this all bodes well for the club heading into October’s crucial set of matches.
Ten Hag’s time as manager has also seen its fair share of casualties, with Harry Maguire one of the most prominent as the club captain has had to content himself with a place on the bench.
ddg problems
But one player who has continued to play despite numerous question marks is David de Gea. His mistakes against Brentford were well documented.
*De Gea transfer rumours* ????????????David de Gea wants to have confrontational talks with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag about his future at the club, as The Daily Star said. The goalkeeper’s contract expires next summer.#MUFC #ManUtd #ManUnited #ManchesterUnited #MUMUfootball pic.twitter.com/ENMBFXVKmC
— MUMU Football (@MUMUfootball) September 30, 2022
Despite the addition of Martin Dubravka on loan, there is a belief that De Gea’s place is not in immediate danger. And that has led the Dutch coach to modify his style of play.
The former Ajax boss is known to favor his team to build from behind and the goalkeeper’s pass is expected to be flawless. The 31-year-old is still an elite goalkeeper but has problems with the ball at his feet.
Statistics have also shown that his reluctance to leave his line means United have had to sit deeper and thus have failed to exert the level of control the manager wants.
All of this has added to the pressure on the Spaniard with reports that the Red Devils are hesitating over whether to activate the one-year extension clause in his contract.
Showdown speaks imminent
Reports have linked alternatives such as Everton number 1 Jordan Pickford and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez with United’s number 1 shirt should the Spanish international end up leaving for free.
United are reportedly eyeing Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak with De Gea potentially returning to his former club.
Amid all this noise, The Daily Star has now reported that “David De Gea is planning confrontational talks with Erik ten Hag about his future at Manchester United.”
“De Gea fears his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end and is keen to find out if he is still part of Ten Hag’s long-term plans,” the report added.
Ten Hag has publicly supported his goalkeeper and kept faith with him despite mistakes and it will be interesting to see how this all plays out before the January transfer window.
United Matchday Magazine: The best pre-match experienceThe Manchester derby. Ten Hag’s men are ready. this is huge
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