Manchester United are considering loaning out Spanish international David de Gea, according to the Manchester Evening News. The 30-year-old lost his place to Dean Henderson as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during the rear end of the last season.
Is David De Gea Nearing the End of his Manchester United Career?
Last Couple of Seasons Have Been Tough for David de Gea
De Gea has arguably been one of the best goalkeepers in the world during the last decade. The Spaniard almost single-handedly kept the Red Devils in games during the post-Ferguson era. The last couple of seasons has been harsh on De Gea, however.
Since the summer of 2018, De Gea has seen errors creeping into his game. The once-formidable shot-stopper started making silly errors that have cost his team. The piling up of errors and an untimely injury to the Spaniard saw Dean Henderson make full use of his opportunity and cement his place as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper last season.
Moreover, the Spaniard has just two more years left in his contract. Being the club’s highest earner, De Gea is unlikely to get an extension on his existing contract.
The Goalkeeping Situation at Manchester United
Manchester United recently announced the re-signing of former academy product Tom Heaton. Many believed that the 35-year-old arrived as the replacement for Lee Grant, who was nearing the end of his contract. But, hours later, Manchester United surprised their own fans by extending Grant’s stay at the club.
The surprising situation has left Manchester United with four first-choice goalkeepers at the club. While Tom Heaton is unlikely to fight for the number one spot, De Gea and Dean Henderson provide a dilemma for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of the next season. Despite the recent blips, De Gea is still considered one of the best in the business. The Spaniard’s display against AS Roma during the second leg of the Europa League campaign showed his worth.
Dean Henderson, however, has proven himself capable of handling the pressure of being Manchester United’s first-choice shot-stopper. The England international may not have the reflexes of De Gea, but has risen to the occasion whenever called upon. In fact, the hip injury that has kept out Henderson from the Euros was due to his desire to establish himself as the first choice in Old Trafford.
Solskjaer has two genuinely good goalkeepers at his disposal, but will need to make a decision on his first-choice shotstopper.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
