Man United boss Erik ten Hag is unconvinced about keeping David de Gea as his No 1
By alexandreFinance
Man United boss Erik ten Hag is unconvinced about keeping David de Gea as his No 1
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag recently disclosed that he is unconvinced about keeping David de Gea as his No 1. The Spanish goalkeeper has been the Red Devils’ first choice keeper for almost a decade, but he has come under criticism lately following a series of below-par performances in recent seasons.
In this article, we take a look at the reasons behind ten Hag’s decision and whether it makes sense for Manchester United to keep de Gea or find a replacement.
The decline of David de Gea
David de Gea has been one of the world’s best goalkeepers for over a decade now, but he has shown signs of decline in the last few seasons. He has made a number of high-profile errors, leading to goals for opposition teams. In the past, de Gea was known for his outstanding reflexes and shot-stopping ability, but there has been a significant drop in his performance levels in these areas.
Furthermore, de Gea’s distribution has also been called into question, with the Spaniard often making wayward passes under pressure. While he is still capable of producing moments of brilliance, the consistency that he once demonstrated has been lacking.
These issues have led to calls for a change between the sticks at Old Trafford, with many fans and pundits believing that de Gea’s time as United’s No 1 should be over.
Dean Henderson’s emergence
One of the main factors contributing to ten Hag’s skepticism about de Gea is the emergence of Dean Henderson. The English goalkeeper has had an impressive season on loan at Sheffield United, and many believe that he is ready to step up to the Premier League level.
Henderson has been touted as a possible successor to de Gea at Manchester United, and it seems that ten Hag is considering this option very seriously. The United boss is known for his preference for young, talented players, and Henderson certainly fits that bill.
It remains to be seen whether Henderson is ready to take on the mantle of United’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, his performances at Sheffield United suggest that he could be a long-term solution to the Red Devils’ goalkeeping conundrum.
The need for change
Manchester United have been in a period of transition in recent years, and there is a feeling that changes need to be made in order to get the club back to where it belongs. While de Gea has been a key player for the Red Devils during his tenure at the club, it may be time to move on and find a new No 1.
There are several goalkeepers who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Ajax’s Andre Onana. Each of these players has their own strengths and weaknesses, but they all represent potential upgrades on de Gea.
If Manchester United want to compete for major titles once again, they need to prioritize strengthening their weakest areas. While de Gea has been a fantastic servant for the club, he is no longer at the level required to take the Red Devils to the top.
The financial aspect
One issue that may arise if Manchester United decide to sell de Gea is his high wages. The Spanish goalkeeper is one of the highest-paid players at the club, with a reported weekly salary of £350,000.
If the Red Devils were to sell de Gea, they would need to find a buyer willing to match his wages. This could prove to be a stumbling block, particularly given the financial uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, Manchester United would need to find a replacement for de Gea, which could also come at a significant cost. The club may need to sell other players in order to fund a move for a new goalkeeper, which could impact their ability to strengthen other areas of the team.
In conclusion, there are valid arguments both for and against keeping David de Gea as Manchester United’s No 1. While he has been a loyal servant to the club, his performances have declined in recent seasons, and there are doubts over whether he is the right man to take the Red Devils to the next level.
If Erik ten Hag decides to drop de Gea and bring in a new goalkeeper, he will need to be confident that the replacement will be an improvement. There are several options available, but each comes with its own risks and challenges.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Manchester United’s coaching staff and board. They will need to assess their priorities and make a judgement on whether de Gea is still the best man for the job or whether it’s time to turn to someone else.
