David de Gea saved a penalty at Old Trafford for the first time in NINE YEARS as Manchester United rounded off their season vs Fulham.
The Spaniard’s future has been a source of constant speculation in recent weeks, with his current deal expiring this summer. De Gea has endured a mixed season, where despite winning the Premier League ’s Golden Gloves award, his performances have come under scrutiny.
In total he has registered 17 clean sheets in the league, but shaky showings with the ball at his feet have raised the possibility of him leaving Old Trafford. United boss Erik ten Hag is hopeful the 32-year-old will stay - and he appeared to send a message to his detractors after saving from Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The penalty came with the Red Devils already trailing to Fulham following Kenny Tete’s opener. But De Gea guessed right to block Mitrovic’s penalty before emotionally celebrating with the supporters behind his goal.
His penalty save was the first in front of home fans since October 2014 when he denied Leighton Baines of Everton. Despite not managing many at Old Trafford, his three saves from 12 yards is second in the Premier League since the start of last season.
Remarkably, Mitrovic’s failure was his FOURTH in the top-flight this campaign, becoming the first Premier League player to not score from a quartet of spot kicks.
Following the miss, De Gea turned to fans in the Stretford End and booted the ball towards them as they celebrated. Whether the clash with Fulham is De Gea’s final for the club remains to be seen, although Ten Hag believes the keeper will sign a new deal.
Mirror Football understands the Spain international has been offered terms on a two-year deal worth £175,000-per-week a whopping £200,000-per-week less than his current arrangement.
But Ten Hag remains confident a deal will be struck and said: “I think we want him to stay and he wants to stay, so I think we will find each other.”
Asked for the reason for the hold up, Ten Hag said: “I never give a comment about how negotiations are going.”
After securing a return to the Champions League, Ten Hag is hopeful of a busy summer as he looks to vastly improve his playing squad. “We can still improve with this squad, as we did this season,” he added.
“That's the job I have to do with my coaching staff. We made huge progress, many individuals made progress. Now we have a good base.
"It's difficult to say this," he said of ambitions for next season. "We have to see how you come out of the transfer window.
"As I see it now, I think we need more, but I don’t have so much patience. That is one of my mistakes. I want to win every game, but also as I've just tried to explain, it’s tough here.
"There are really good teams, especially this season. Not only this season but Manchester City are playing outstanding football. We are in the right direction, but we have work to do. It’s a work in progress."
