“It could come back to bite them” – Man United legend says ‘disrespectful’ change could haunt Erik ten Hag

Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke believes that Manchester United’s handling of David de Gea’s contract situation has been ‘disrespectful’ and that they could regret the decision to replace the Spaniard.

De Gea, 32, is currently a free agent after his contract at Old Trafford expired last week. He was reportedly offered a contract extension, to which he accepted, before that offer being replaced by a new one with even further wage reductions.

Whilst talks between the player and club are set to resume following his wedding last weekend, it seems unlikely that a compromise will be found considering United’s transfer activities.

It is believed that performances towards the back end of last season – against West Ham, Sevilla and Manchester City in the FA Cup final – swayed United’s decision to replace the goalkeeper.

His likely replacement comes in the form of Ten Hag’s former employee, Andre Onana, who plays for Inter Milan. The Serie A team have rejected two bids from The Reds for the shot-stopper but reports suggest that a positive outcome is expected.

Dwight Yorke, who won the illustrious treble with United in 1999, believes that the saga has been dealt poorly by the club even though replacing De Gea is something they are well within their rights to do.

“The David de Gea situation is a bit disrespectful from Man United but they also have the right to do it,” he told BoyleSports.

“You never want to end your long career at such a big club, in turmoil. I understand how these football clubs work, but I also sympathise with the player. “

De Gea joined United in 2011 and has dealt with wide spread scrutiny since he signed to take over Edwin van der Saar’s position.

Yorke is wary that a new goalkeeper will not be able to compare to what De Gea has achieved for the club and states that there are very few world class goalkeepers around.

“Man United have to be careful what they wish for. You don’t win the Golden Glove if you’re not a good goalkeeper,” he added. “I know he’s made mistakes and some of them at crucial times, but who doesn’t do that? I don’t think the goalkeepers that Man United want are anywhere near as good as De Gea, so they need to be careful what they wish for.

“Dean Henderson might be given a chance while De Gea is still there, but changing a keeper could come back to bite Man United. It’s a bigger risk to bring in any of the goalkeepers Man United are looking at than to stick with De Gea. Outside of Thibaut Courtois and a couple of others, there are no proper world-class goalkeepers and even they can make mistakes.”