Self-proclaimed transfer expert and football journalist Dean Jones has suggested that Jordan Pickford would “increase passion levels” at Old Trafford if Manchester United followed through on his alleged interest.
With United’s current number one David De Gea’s contract expiring at the end of the season, albeit with a one-year extension that could be activated, a goalkeeper could well be a priority for manager Erik ten Hag next summer.
The Telegraph linked England goalkeeper Pickford with the Red Devils recently as they claim that Ten Hag is actively looking for a new number one.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT reporter Dean Jones, he suggested that Pickford, while possibly not a popular choice with fans, would be a locker room hit.
‘It doesn’t seem like it’s going to be as popular as an election.’ Jones explained, “but overall United have lacked character across the team and Pickford would certainly raise those levels of passion.”
Pickford has been a mainstay as Everton’s number one since moving from Sunderland five years ago and has also reclaimed his place as England’s number one.
He is known to be vocal on the pitch and has a confident character within the dressing room, so he would certainly bring an element of that to Old Trafford if Ten Hag made a move to stop the shot.
If United are truly interested, Everton are likely to need some persuasion to sell one of their prized assets and any move will surely depend on the situation with De Gea.
United are considering whether to offer the Spaniard a new contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford and potentially end his career at Manchester.
Despite better performances this season, De Gea’s game has come under scrutiny as to whether his goalkeeping style fits into Ten Hag’s style of play.
Ten Hag wants his team to play a high-pressure, high-intensity game with the goalkeeper being more of a modern sweeper involved in construction, something De Gea hasn’t been entirely convincing with, but something Pickford excels at.
With the one-year extension available on De Gea’s contract, United need not panic or rush into signing a goalkeeper, but he will surely be in the back of Ten Hag’s mind.
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