4 winners and 3 losers from David de Gea's new Manchester United contract
David de Gea has finally signed a six-year contract, committing his future to Manchester United.
The club confirmed the deal on Monday with De Gea saying, “All I want is to help this team achieve what I believe we can and win trophies again, together.”
De Gea’s contract is big news, and there is a big ripple effect. Here is a look at the winners and losers from the deal…
Winners
Manchester United fans: This is big news for United supporters and a major relief. De Gea is a fan favourite, but there had been a bit of discontent as we braced ourselves for his departure. Now we can get back to believing fully in the Spaniard, knowing his mind is fully focused on United. This gives us all something to be positive about again, knowing United have one of the world’s best goalkeepers, arguably the best.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
Harry Maguire and the United back four: United’s defence has taken a step forward this season, and it would have been a shame for the progress to be undone by De Gea leaving. Even the uncertainty over his expiring contract could have hurt the team as this season went on. Harry Maguire has been under a bit of pressure due to his price tag, and his task is made easier with a world class goalkeeper behind him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: It would have been a real blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United rebuild to see David de Gea decide not to renew. The goalkeeper’s move to re-sign is a nod of approval to the direction Solskjaer is taking the team. He is evidently encouraged by the new look defence in front of him. Solskjaer has needed a boost after some derision about United’s recent win record, and now he has got one.
Sheffield United: Premier League new boys Sheffield United have to like their chances of signing Dean Henderson on a permanent deal next summer. De Gea’s six-year deal blocks his path, and while Solskjaer could try to persuade him to stay as a back-up, the Blades will hope that an offer of first team football could sway his mind.
Losers
Manchester United’s back-up goalkeepers: If Sergio Romero was playing the long game at Manchester United and waiting for De Gea to leave, it has just backfired. United have an array of talent further back, from Dean Henderson, to Joel Pereira, to Kieran O’Hara and Matej Kovar. De Gea’s long-term deal makes it difficult for all of the young prospects, and departures at some stage are inevitable.
Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG: Real Madrid appeared to have given up on De Gea after being denied by a fax machine a few years back. Yet on a free, they would have been interested. Juventus and PSG though were hovering, both reported by The Mirror to be keen on snapping De Gea up. United tying the goalkeeper down ruins the plans of both clubs.
Premier League attackers: David de Gea at his very best can be a nightmare for strikers. He has had games for United where he just refuses to be beaten, no matter how many shots are fired at him. While he has his slips ups at times too, his new deal will make him feel more assured and help him settle and rediscover his best form. That’s good news for United, and bad news for all of our opponents.
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