Aheed Abrar
Future of David de Gea ‘in the balance’ as Manchester United unsure of contract extension
Manchester United are unsure about extending the contract of David de Gea. The Spaniard’s future at the club is ‘in the balance’, according to The Telegraph (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Red Devils have a clause in De Gea’s deal to extend his stay beyond this season till 2024. However, club officials are hesitant about triggering the extension.
If United do not take up the option to keep the 31-year-old, he will be free to leave next summer. And the Red Devils have identified Everton and England shot-stopper Jordan Pickford as a potential replacement.
The Toffees goalkeeper is an established player in the Premier League. At the national level, the 28-year-old has been the first choice in between the sticks for Gareth Southgate at major tournaments.
Pickford joined Everton in the summer of 2017 from Sunderland. Since then, the England international has been the chosen one in goal at the Goodison Park side.
The 28-year-old has started the 2022/23 campaign in fine form. Pickford’s performances this season, especially the one against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, have impressed a lot of people.
On the other hand, De Gea’s start to the campaign went off to a shaky start. While the Spaniard has been able to get over the initial setbacks, there still seem to be doubts around the 31-year-old.
Erik ten Hag was appointed United manager at the end of the last season. The former Ajax gaffer has brought with him new ideas to the club. And one of his preferences looks to be playing from out the back.
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However, De Gea is not the best player with the ball at his feet. The Spaniard leaves a lot to be desired with respect to his distribution. And Ten Hag has evidently had to tweak his plans after the two back-to-back defeats when the campaign started. So whether the 31-year-old remains in Manchester at the end of the season will be interesting to see.
