Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: David de Gea facing uncertain future; Red Devils advised to offload Anthony Martial, and more - May 8, 2023
Manchester United succumbed to another away defeat in the Premier League on Sunday (May 7) at the London Stadium against West Ham United. Erik ten Hag’s men lost 1-0, leaving their top-four chances hanging in the balance.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper David de Gea is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, the Red Devils have been advised to offload striker Anthony Martial this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on May 8, 2023:
David de Gea facing uncertain future
David de Gea's future at Manchester United is not set in stone, according to The Manchester Evening News.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s silly mistake cost his team the game against West Ham United this weekend. The 32-year-old has divided opinion with his performances in recent years, and the team have suffered due to his Jekyll and Hyde nature.
Ten Hag has publicly defended his goalkeeper all season, with the player in the final year of his contract. The Red Devils are in talks to extend his stay, but a breakthrough hasn’t been reached yet.
However, there’s a growing concern about De Gea at Old Trafford, with people behind the scene increasingly unconvinced with his performances. Even if he ends up staying, the Spaniard might lose his No. 1 position next season.
Manchester United advised to offload Anthony Martial
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has advised Manchester United to offload Anthony Martial.
The French striker has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, despite exploding into the scene as a debutant for the club in the 2015-16 season. The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries this campaign, with the Red Devils suffering due to lack of precision in front of goal.
Speaking after weekend’s game against West Ham Untied, Shearer said that Martial isn’t good enough for Manchester United.
“Anthony Martial has had enough time at Manchester United. You don’t need to make any big decision on him because I think the decision has already been made or it should already have been made,” said Shearer.
He continued:
“He’s been there long enough; he’s had enough chances. He’s not good enough to take Man United to where they want to be. If he was good enough, he would be starting on a regular basis and he would be scoring goals. He’s had his time, and it hasn’t worked for him, that’s my opinion.”
The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new No. 9 this summer, which could render Martial surplus to requirements.
Erik ten Hag confident of top-four finish
Erik ten Hag remains confident that Manchester United can secure UEFA Champions League football next season.
The Premier League giants have struggled in the Premier League in recent games, and their woeful away form continued over the weekend against West Ham United. With Liverpool breathing down their neck, the Red Devils’ place among the top four isn’t guaranteed yet.
After the defeat, Ten Hag said that Manchester United have their destiny in their own hands:
“Nothing changed; only we could have made it (securing a top-four place) easier when you have a win. We need three wins in four games, so everything is in our hands, and we have to believe. But it's not about Liverpool; it's about us, because look to the table, and we have everything in our hands,” said Ten Hag.
He continued:
"If we bring our performance, if we bring our standards, then we will win games; so we don't have to look to others – we have to look to ourselves and find a way to win and find a way to get back to our levels.”
The Red Devils next face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford this weekend.