Erik ten Hag’s desire to mold his Manchester United team in his own image is well underway with quite a few changes taking place after his summer splurge.
The defense has been transformed thanks to the arrival of Lisandro Martínez from Ajax while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have proven to be revelations in midfield.
While consternation lingers over the lack of firepower at the top, it is among the sticks that Ten Hag is most concerned about the club’s long-term future.
GK Enigma at United
David de Gea has been an exceptional servant to the club during his decade-long tenure, but while his shot-stopping form remains superlative, it is in other areas where he remains lacking.
All modern goalkeepers must be comfortable with the ball at their feet and have the ability to play goalkeeper when necessary.
For too long, De Gea’s weakness when playing from behind and his tendency to stay on the ground has held the Red Devils back.
And the Dutch boss had made it abundantly clear that he wants a change, even if the Spaniard were to stay at the club long-term on reduced wages.
???? Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United are considering signing Jordan Pickford from Everton.
(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/pTND54oA4S
— News Stream Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 27, 2022
Many goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including the likes of Jan Oblak, Diogo Costa, Yann Sommer and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
One surprising name that was mentioned in the summer, and once again mentioned ahead of the January transfer window, is Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
According to The Daily Mail, “England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s future at Everton is in doubt as the club has yet to sign the new five-year contract he agreed before the World Cup.
Pickford emerges as surprise candidate
“News of the delay has alerted Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.”
The England number 1 had apparently agreed to a new five-year contract before leaving for Qatar, but the club have yet to sign the deal for some unknown reason.
“The delay is at the boardroom level, and not with the player. Sources have expressed surprise that the contract remains with the club’s owners, when a quick resolution was expected before Pickford left for Qatar,” the report added.
As Tottenham looks for a long-term successor to 36-year-old Hugo Lloris, Chelsea have struggled to find a reliable goalkeeper in recent seasons.
It is written that United could possibly finance this strange move by signing loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.
