Erik ten Hag surprises Man United fans with latest comments on player despite contract news

Erik ten Hag has stressed that David de Gea’s number one spot at Manchester United is not safe next season despite the Spaniard being close to signing a new contract at Old Trafford.

De Gea, 32, splits opinion within the United fanbase. For some he remains a top goalkeeper who does not need to be replaced yet, whilst others believe that the club should make his departure a priority if they want to compete for Premier League titles again.

However, Ten Hag has always been consistent in his praise of the shot-stopper this term, even when he’s been under fire for making mistakes.

With reports claiming that the goalkeeper is close to signing a new deal, it seemed likely that the position would only see a backup signed, with Jack Butland’s loan deal ending after the FA Cup final.

But the manager’s latest comments on De Gea have suggested that his place in the starting XI is not safe, as he explains the importance of goalkeepers being able to become apart of build-up – something that De Gea has been widely criticised for.

“It’s not what I want, it’s more what top football demands nowadays,” Ten Hag told The Times when discussing the importance of a ball-playing goalkeeper. “If you observe the biggest teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back, and use your ’keeper as a plus one in your back, otherwise it’s very simple for opponents to put you under pressure. He [De Gea] had to step up. In a number of games, he showed progression.”

And whilst the 2022/23 Golden Glove winner will be at the club next season, he is not guaranteed a spot in the team, according to the boss.

“Yes [he will stay at United next season], but I will not say he’ll always be my No 1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions. You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions.”

Dean Henderson is likely to leave Old Trafford in the summer, with the 25-year-old preparing to seal a move to Nottingham Forest after spending the campaign on loan with them, according to the Daily Mail.

It was added that this potential deal could raise funds for a goalkeeper to challenge De Gea at United.