Erik ten Hag says David de Gea is a ‘complete’ goalkeeper as he drops big hint over his future

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Erik ten Hag looks like he has made his mind up over David de Gea’s future at Manchester United.

When it comes to the reshaping of Manchester United’s squad, no player divides opinion quite like goalkeeper David de Gea.

Some see the long-serving star as one of the best shot-stoppers ever to play at Old Trafford, who leads the Golden Glove race, and deserves to stay at the club on an extended deal.

Others see De Gea as outdated, a goalkeeper who invites pressure and mops up situations which could be avoided in the first place by a more proactive stopper, and simply want a change.

Erik ten Hag appears to lean towards the first camp. He is a big fan of the Spaniard, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.

Ten Hag backs De Gea

Ten Hag was asked about David de Gea in his pre-Sevilla press conference and described the goalkeeper as ‘complete’.

Ditching the narrative that De Gea is strong in certain part of his game and weak in others, Ten Hag gave the Spaniard his full backing.

He said: “‘Stopping goals, avoiding goals as that is the main job for a goalkeeper. You can do it in many more ways, everyone has their own particular style and nowadays in possession, it becomes more and more important, especially at the top level because there you take control and it is more difficult for the opponent to gain pressure, you also concede less chances.

“But at the end of the day it’s about stopping goals, stopping shots, stopping crosses, one-on-ones etc so that is more like the classic goalkeeper. I think David is really multi-functional and a really complete goalkeeper. We are very happy with him.”

Ten Hag’s comments are a firm indication he intends to sanction a new contract for David de Gea.

But the final few weeks of the season could still bear some influence on what happens next. A strong ending to the campaign and a trophy win or two will almost certainly solidify Ten Hag’s stance.

A high profile error which costs United the game in one of the decisive cup ties, could see momentum, and fan opinion swing against De Gea.

If United do renew a deal for De Gea, it would be sensible not to over-commit, so that the option to replace him still remains open in future windows.