Pranav Nair
Manchester United chiefs convinced that David de Gea is the man to start in goal next season
According to ESPN (h/t The Metro), Manchester United chiefs appear to be confident that David de Gea is the best goalkeeper at the club and will continue to play a key role going forward.
The Spanish international was in his heyday the best goalkeeper on the planet. However, as seen last season, his position at Old Trafford is far from secure. That is due to Dean Henderson, who earned himself quite a few appearances last season.
The Englishman kept De Gea out of the United line-up in March and April. The Spaniard was however restored to the starting XI towards the end of the season, including the Europa League final. De Gea also lost his starting spot for Spain for this summer’s Euros, playing backup to Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon.
Despite the setbacks, United insiders believe the player will fight for his place and have been left impressed by his attitude. Despite losing the No.1 spot, he has not sulked and has worked his way back into contention.
“The general view among those close to him is that he will stay and fight to play.”
Moreover, he has not let the rivalry with Henderson get to him and has helped the youngster whenever needed. A vastly experienced keeper, De Gea has a wealth of experience to educate the younger Englishman.
“When the manager picked Dean for the final two months of the season, David accepted it as the nature of the job and worked as hard as ever to get back to his best, but also to help Dean.”
These revelations should come as a relief to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is keen to make a decision on his first-choice goalkeeper heading into the new season. The Norwegian had earlier accepted that he is keen to go into the season with a clear number one rather than rotate between the duo.
With the United heirarchy sold on De Gea, it remains to be seen just what Solskjaer will do.
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According to Manchester Evening News, Henderson looks likely to be the man entrusted with United’s season opener against Leeds United. Whether it is a one-off or a sign of things to come remains to be seen.
