"They’ve got bigger problems" - Pundit plays down claims that Manchester United need to replace under-fire superstar this summer
TalkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist doesn't think replacing David de Gea should be a priority for Manchester United in the summer.
Speculation grows over De Gea's future, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. The Spanish goalkeeper has endured a topsy-turvy campaign, keeping 23 clean sheets in 53 games across competitions.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted that the club want De Gea, 32, to stay. McCoist said that although the Red Devils need to change goalkeepers, it shouldn't be a priority:
“I think they probably need to change their goalie, but I don’t think it’s a priority. I think the way Manchester United have looked in recent weeks, it looks as if they’re in a false position."
De Gea was at fault for Said Benrahma's winner in West Ham United's shock 1-0 win over Ten Hag's side on Sunday (May 7). That has left them a point above fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand. McCoist alluded to that:
“I would actually think they’ve gone from being a team that’s almost certainly within the top four. Now a real question mark against it to be brutally honest with you, on recent performances.
There are many issues in the quad for the Dutch coach to attend to. The feeling is that a new centre-forward and midfielder will be targeted in the summer. McCoist backed those sentiments:
“In an ideal world, if you could change your goalie and get a better goalie, I think that would be a good thing, but I think they’ve got bigger problems. Midfield and that, you’re looking at them the past few weeks, dear me, they’ve been all over the place.”
De Gea is Manchester United's longest-serving player having been at the club since 2011. He has made 540 appearances across competitions, keeping 188 clean sheets.
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is atop Manchester United's summer shortlist
Manchester United will head to the summer transfer window with a new centre-forward signing of utmost importance. The goalscoring burden has largely fallen on Marcus Rashford who has bagged 29 goals in 53 games across competitions.
The Red Devils' overreliance on Rashford has been clear to see, and he operates best from the left wing. According to Football Insider, they have placed Tottenham striker Kane at the top of their wishlist.
Kane, 29, is said to be viewed by Manchester United as a difference maker and a signing that will help turn the tide in their quest for Premier League success. However, a deal for the England captain is viewed as difficult despite the forward having just over a year left on his contract.
The English striker has been in prolific form this season, scoring 28 goals in 46 games. He has always spoken of his desire to win trophies, so the summer may be a crucial period in his career.