Erik ten Hag has spoken to the press about whether he would like to keep a specific member of the first-team squad.
Manchester United see several players’ contracts expire in June 2023, including Tom Heaton, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Cristiano Ronaldo, David de Gea, Diogo Dalot and Fred.
Many of these players have the option to activate an automatic one-year extension.
Ten Hag, however, is attempting to reinvigorate the United squad, as seen through the signing of six new players last summer.
Consequently, he was asked if he would like to extend De Gea’s soon-to-expire contract.
There has been a lot of talk lately about the situation of United’s goalkeepers. De Gea has felt the heat for his lack of ball play and the courage to step out of his comfort zone near goal.
United have been linked with a move for young Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and Benfica number 1 Odysseas Vlachodimos.
In the press conference ahead of United’s game against Tottenham Hotspur tonight, Ten Hag spoke about the Spaniard’s contract situation, saying:
We didn’t make a decision about him, but I can say that I am very happy with David de Gea as goalkeeper.
“His first two games of the season weren’t his best performances, but after that, you’ll see that he brings us a lot to the defense department and stability.”
‘As a person, too, I like him. I cooperate very well with him. But first, let’s go to winter and then we’ll talk about how we deal with the situation.’
It is important to note here Ten Hag’s use of ‘department of defense’. The Dutchman likes to be laconic at press conferences and chooses his words carefully, as evidenced by many of his rather forceful responses to journalists.
Ten Hag clearly wants a possession-based system where his defense can play cunningly from behind. This starts with a goalie who can start the game and attacks.
Although he has proven to be a remarkable goalkeeper, De Gea simply cannot match the levels of his Premier League and European peers in terms of passing, vision, composure and availability. It is therefore debatable whether he should extend his contract, even on a short-term basis, if United want to accelerate their quest for a title challenge.
The coach, while praising De Gea but stating that no decision has been made, was careful not to close the door on either possibility.
United Matchday Magazine – The Ultimate Match Experience Take your seat for the Spurs match and stay in the loop on all things United!
Get all the match preparation, articles, news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Online soccer content like you’ve never seen it before. No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United. secure online ordering Click Preview to see more or shop for just £1.25 / $1.50 Limited Time Offer: SAVE £10 On A Season Pass – Use Discount Code SEASON35 At Checkout.
