Erik ten Hag will be encouraged by David de Gea’s Everton performance

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Erik ten Hag will no doubt have left Goodison Park encouraged by David de Gea‘s performance in Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Everton.

The 31-year-old looks unlikely to be named in Spain’s World Cup squad and he faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford with his contract due to expire at the end of June.

The twenty-time league champions have the option of triggering a 12-month extension to the former Atletico Madrid man’s deal, but with De Gea being one of the highest earners in a Manchester United side that has the highest wage bill in Premier League history, the Reds are weighing up whether to extend De Gea’s stay, according to The Telegraph.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes the Spaniard’s career at the Theatre of Dreams under the former Ajax boss could be “short-lived” due to his inability to adapt to the Dutchman’s philosophy.

Ten Hag will be encouraged by De Gea’s Everton performance

However, like the majority of the Manchester United fanbase, Neville and Ten Hag may have been pleasantly surprised by De Gea’s performance against the Toffees last night.

Capable of being jittery in possession and reluctant to race of his line, De Gea produced an assured and calming display.

In the first half, Anthony Gordon blocked an attempted Diogo Dalot pass which gave Neal Maupay a chance of running onto goal.

But De Gea was aware of the danger and raced off his line in a way the likes of Ederson, Allisson or Manuel Neuer would.

The Spain international has never been a sweeper keeper, but if he becomes more willing to incorporate that attribute into his game, it will allow United’s defensive line to push higher up the pitch.

United’s number one finished the game with 43 touches and 87% pass accuracy, he completed 32 of his 37 attempted passes.

The Spaniard, who couldn’t do anything to stop Alex Iwobi’s opener, completed seven of his 12 attempted long balls.

He also made one high claim which came when Everton were crossing the ball into United’s penalty area at every opportunity.

Taking the pressure of his defence is something former legendary Reds stoppers Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar did to great effect.

There is no denying De Gea’s shot-stopping credentials, and he produced a great save to stop former Red James Garner scoring on his Everton debut.

Last night’s performance on Merseyside brought encouraging signs from De Gea, but he needs to build on it – we cannot afford him to retreat or take backwards steps in future matches.

After playing his part in the humbling against Brentford, De Gea has steadily returned to form, but there is always the sense that he has a big error in him.

But there were positive signs shown against Frank Lampard’s side that he could become the all-action footballing goalkeeper Ten Hag craves, but he needs to produce those type of performances week in, week out – not sparingly.