Manchester United star agrees new deal to extend stay - Reports
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has reportedly agreed terms on a new deal with the club. The Spaniard's current contract expires at the end of the season.
The Telegraph reports that De Gea, 31, has agreed on a new deal that includes a lower basic salary and incentives for games played and performances in competitions. An announcement from Manchester United is expected soon.
That ends months of speculation over De Gea's future with there being question marks over his place in Erik ten Hag's team. However, the report also states that the Spanish shot-stopper is not guaranteed a place in the starting lineup for next season.
De Gea has endured a mixed season amid some glaring mistakes, none more so than the costly error that led to Said Benrahma's winner in West Ham United's 1-0 win last Sunday (May 7). The Spaniard has featured 53 times across competitions this season, keeping 23 clean sheets.
Ten Hag defended De Gea following his blunder against West Ham by insisting that the club wanted to keep him. That appears to be the case, and he will now continue to be the club's longest-serving player. He arrived at Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
Manchester United are expected to be in the market for a new midfielder and striker in the summer. That's despite Ten Hag's side being linked with a move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
Ian Wright advises teams on how to exploit shaky Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea
De Gea's season has been marred by several clangers, including the error against West Ham on Sunday. The Spaniard fumbled Benrahma's shot when diving down low as it trickled into the back of the net.
That was just two weeks removed from a horror showing at Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. De Gea clumsily played the ball out to Harry Maguire who was being closed down by two attackers, which led to an eventual goal.
Wright has analysed De Gea's performances and reckons that he can be exploited, as he appears uncomfortable when bodies are around him. He told Premier League Productions:
“Whenever you get bodies around him he gets very, very shaky. I still can’t understand why teams don’t put inswinging corners in to him at every single opportunity. He’s never comfortable in that situation.”
De Gea has now made four errors that have led to goals this season. Ten Hag continues to back his shot-stopper by alluding to him having the highest number of clean sheets in the league (15). Yet, mistakes continue to be a problem for the club's longest-serving player.