Rio Ferdinand explains why Manchester United still have a dilemma over ‘world class’ goalkeeper David de Gea
Posted by  badge Boss on Oct 10, 2022 - 10:25PM
David de Gea has made 498 appearances for Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

wants to give David de Gea a new contract but admits Erik ten Hag may still want a goalkeeper with better footwork.

It is a tricky dilemma for the Dutch boss, who arrived at Old Trafford this summer and likes to play out from the back like he did with former club .

The situation is further complicated by the fact that De Gea is out of contract in the summer while Ten Hag has already signed a new ‘keeper in Martin Dubravka.

United have the option to extend his deal for a further year and following the Red Devils’ win over on Sunday night, .

‘It’s all down to the way Erik ten Hag wants to play football,’ Ferdinand told .

‘If he wants to play out from the back like he did with Ajax, it’s all about someone who is actually better with their feet.

‘David De Gea, that’s not his biggest strength. He’s good enough I think with his feet, but his biggest strength is his shot-stopping.’

Ferdinand still thinks United should give De Gea a fresh deal, adding: ‘I would give him a contract.

‘I think his character speaks a lot, because he’s had times where he got taken out of the team for Dean Henderson [and people have] questioned his quality.

‘Even when he first came to the club, people were saying, ‘Is he the right one?’, because he was so young maybe he’s not the right guy, [but he] always comes through.’

De Gea moved to Old Trafford in 2011 and has gone onto become one of United’s longest serving players of all-time, winning their last Premier League title in 2013 and claiming the club’s Player of the Year award a joint-record four times.

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