According to Florian Plettenburg, Manchester United are not considering exercising the additional one-year option that they have on David de Gea’s contract, which is currently due to expire in June 2023.
News De Gea: We‘ve been told that #MUFC – at this stage – is not considering to pull his clause to extend for one more year. Ten Hag is open to get a new No. 1 but the player would like to stay beyond 2023. Current salary between €18-20m/year confirmed. @Sky_Marc @SkySportDE 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/aF7IbjvQOg
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 17, 2022
This is because the German journalist is reporting that United and de Gea are not on the same page as Erik ten Hag is open to the idea of signing a new keeper to replace de Gea as United’s number one, however Plettenburg says that the player would like to extend his 11-year at Old Trafford beyond June.
De Gea, who joined United in 2011 under Sir Alex Ferguson has been an excellent service for the club and whenever his team-mates have failed to deliver, the Spaniard has bailed his team-mates out on several occasions, which saw him win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year accolade four times.
🏆 2013/14
🏆 2014/15
🏆 2015/16
🏆 2017/18❤️ @D_DeGea: a record four-time winner of our Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/kfa1hSTYTC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 30, 2021
However, there is a feeling that the current United number one does not suit the profile that ten Hag is looking for in a ‘keeper because de Gea has a tendency to stay back for crosses, and whilst his distribution has improved this season, it is not at the level that the Dutchman would prefer because United need a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and help build attacks from deep.
Even though de Gea might not be the long-term answer for United in goal, it should not be underestimated that he has improved certain aspects of his game this season, such as his ability to take the easy option when passing and he was in fine form in the 1-0 win over West Ham back in October, where his saves helped United see off the Hammers.
David De Gea vs. West Ham:
40 touches
77% pass accuracy
4 saves
2 clearances
3 long balls completed
1 save from close range
1 punch
1 sweep[via @StatmanDave]. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/wovzbDNgQ3
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 30, 2022
