Erik ten Hag feels “right moment” to part ways with David de Gea at Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag feels it was the “right moment” to part ways with David de Gea in the ongoing transfer window.
The Spaniard was the Red Devils’ number one last season. To that end, the Dutch manager relied heavily on the veteran goalkeeper. However, at the end of June, the 32-year-old’s deal with the Old Trafford side expired and he is now a free agent.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag acknowledged De Gea’s contribution to United’s success in the previous campaign. However, the gaffer believes that every player has to move on at some point.
“I think David had a huge contribution on our level of performance last year and result, all the clean sheets he made but there’s also the team performance. Because we defend with 11, not just the goalkeeper. But it was absolutely obvious David played a big role, a huge contribution.
“But there’s a coming time for every player that the club is going to make changes and it was the right moment in our perspective.”
In the summer of 2011, the Red Devils signed the Spaniard from Atletico Madrid. The shot-stopper immediately became the number one at the Old Trafford side and developed into a world-class player.
The 32-year-old won the Premier League and multiple other trophies at United. There was even a point in the goalkeeper’s career when he was the best in the world.
Unfortunately, De Gea has been a bit inconsistent at the Old Trafford side since the 2018 World Cup. It looked like the Spaniard would lose his starting spot to Dean Henderson at one point.
However, the 32-year-old’s last two seasons at the Red Devils were filled with some brilliant and clutch saves. In the 2022/23 term, the veteran goalkeeper had 17 clean sheets in 38 appearances, the most in the Premier League.
Despite a brilliant record under Ten Hag, De Gea looked uncomfortable on a number of occasions as well. The Dutch manager is seemingly keen on playing out from the back and the Spaniard left a lot to be desired in that department.
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Now, we have Andre Onana in our ranks. The Cameroonian’s immaculate distribution skills were on display during the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan. Therefore, it looks like this summer was the right time to change guard in between the sticks.
