Manchester United have now decided that they must sign a new no.1 goalkeeper this summer, it has been reported, with the club having lost faith in David De Gea to do the job ahead of the new campaign.
Following the FA Cup final defeat, Erik ten Hag refused to confirm that the Spaniard would remain his no.1 choice shot-stopper next season, though he did admit that he would like De Gea to stay and sign a new deal, with the goalkeeper currently a free agent this summer.
“I will not say he’ll always be my No.1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions. You can’t do it with 11 players”, Ten Hag explained.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday January 3, 2023. 2M6ETDY Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday January 3, 2023. (Alamy Stock Photo)
Despite scooping the golden glove for most clean sheets in the division, De Gea attracted plenty of criticism last campaign for his inability to use his feet, a fundamental part of the game that Ten Hag wants to encourage.
Now, as per the Manchester Evening News, ‘figures at United have decided a new starting ‘keeper is essential’ this summer and as a result are now actively hunting for a new no.1 before the new season.
They have been linked with several top options, including Champions League finalist Andre Onana, who was also targetted by Chelsea before the £50m price tag put the Blues off the Inter Milan star.
It remains to be seen what sort of budget will be set aside for a new goalkeeper, with Mason Mount and a new striker top of their wishlist as things stand and another defender also a potential target this summer.