Manchester United are at risk of making a decision to extend David de Gea’s contract for the wrong reasons.
This week The Athletic reported talks are ongoing between Manchester United and David de Gea over a new deal.
It is claimed manager Erik ten Hag approves a stay for De Gea, and while the manager’s decision should be the end of the matter, United are risking sleepwalking into this extension by a lack of urgency.
Core to the reasons proposed for United wishing to extend De Gea’s deal, is simply prioritising elsewhere.
De Gea extension under discussion
The report in The Athletic claims Manchester United could extend David de Gea’s deal because other areas are transfer priorities.
It states: “Bringing in a premium striker would take significant money, as would midfield and right-back — two more positions United want to refresh”, adding: “replacing De Gea is not seen as a priority.”
While this may be the case, this is not sufficient reason to extend De Gea’s deal. United would be extending his contract simply because it is convenient, not because he is the way forward.
The problem with De Gea is his all round game is below standard for a modern goalkeeper. He is below average for claiming crosses, sweeper keeping, and his passing game is restricted.
United have an opportunity this summer to release De Gea, and move on. Ask yourselves this, how many top clubs would be bidding for De Gea if he is under contract?
The Spaniard certainly has positives to his game. He is capable of winning matches with his crucial saves, but there are other goalkeepers who can do so too, with a more well rounded game which does not put as much pressure on the centre-backs.
The Athletic claim: “Tony Coton, United’s chief goalkeeping scout, has been scouring Europe for six months and is not yet completely sold on a replacement, especially at the prices being mentioned.”
The natural conclusion there is that Manchester United may need to replace Tony Coton, with a goalkeeping scout capable of finding the replacement required. This is a chance for United to sign a young goalkeeper for the future, and be bold.
Moving on from De Gea is divisive issue. Some feel he is deserving of a new deal, from improvements shown in his game this season under Ten Hag, his bond with his teammates, and his loyalty to the club. He is also expected to take a pay cut, if he does stay.
If extending De Gea is the decision United make, then so be it, but it should be made for the right reasons, that Ten Hag genuinely feels he is the best goalkeeper for the job.
In the case that an extension is granted simply because United want to spend money on other positions, and De Gea will just ‘have to do’, then it is a terrible process to reach that decision.
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