DAVID DE GEA’S days at Manchester United are numbered because he is not good enough at playing out from the back, claims Gary Neville.
The former Manchester United star discussed Erik ten Hag’s philosophy following the 6-3 derby defeat to Manchester City.
Neville believes Ten Hag will want his United side to start dominating possession – just as they did in his first two games in charge against Brighton and Brentford, which both ended in defeat.
And to do that Neville claims Ten Hag will want a goalkeeper capable of playing risky passes out from the back – much like Ederson or Alisson – something De Gea cannot provide.
He said on the Gary Neville podcast: “We all know where Ten Hag wants to get this United team, he wants 75 per cent possession, players that can handle the ball, defenders can handle the ball and the goalkeeper needs to be brilliant on the ball.
“I suspect with David de Gea, his United career is going to be shortlived under Ten Hag.
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“He’s [Ten Hag] going to be adamant that his philosophy of playing out from the back, playing those risky passes to the midfield that we see with Ederson all the time, that we no longer see as risky because they do it so well, is something that he’s striving for and that he wants to get to.”
De Gea is out of contract at the end of the season and United could allow him to leave on a free despite his deal including a one-year extension clause.
Ten Hag attempted to find an upgrade on the Spaniard in the summer with Kevin Trapp and Yann Sommer linked.
There is also talk United could move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who is in the final 12 months of his contract.
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But if Neville is correct Ten Hag could have a lengthy list of suitable replacements for De Gea – keepers who are as good with their feet as they are with their hands.
The Red Devils are also believed to be scouting Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa who could cost around £30million.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
