Pranav Nair
David de Gea determined to stay at Manchester United
According to The Times (Subscription Required), Spanish international goalkeeper David de Gea is not ready to call time on his Manchester United career.
The 30-year-old is currently at a crossroads in his career both at the club and international levels. Formerly the undisputed number one at Old Trafford, De Gea has seen Dean Henderson eat into a considerable chunk of his game time last season.
While he did retain the gloves for the Europa League final, the night ended on a sour note with the 30-year-old proving ineffectual on penalties. De Gea has also played second fiddle to Unai Simon for the Spanish national side at this summer’s Euros. It will not have helped his case that the Athletic Bilbao ace starred in the penalty shootout against Switzerland.
United released Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira when their contracts expired earlier this week. The duo’s departure was met with the signing of Tom Heaton and a one-year extension offered to veteran shot-stopper Lee Grant.
With the duo set to play as third and fourth choices, it could once again be a shootout between Henderson and De Gea for the starting spot. While Heaton too harbours an ambition of getting his chances, it is debatable if it will come to that.
United’s top earner, De Gea still has two years to go on his current deal at Old Trafford. It is difficult to see another team offer him the same terms. The player is keen to stay on at United this summer. (h/t The Times)
Whether United agree with De Gea’s decision is another matter. According to the Daily Star, the Red Devils are looking at the possibility of loaning out the player this summer. It could pave the way for Henderson to establish himself as the club’s new No.1.
Whether that comes to pass remains to be seen.
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While De Gea’s fate rests in the balance, he has no one but himself to blame for his troubles. After all, it was his inconsistency that put his spot into question and gave Henderson a chance to impress. The Spaniard has been a stellar servant to the club for a decade now. Once the best goalkeeper in the world, he will need to channel the same performances to stand a chance at continuing in goal at Old Trafford.
