David de Gea admits he wants to remain at Manchester United "for more years" as a decision looms on his future.
The Spanish goalkeeper is entering the final year of his deal, although the club have the option of another 12 months. De Gea put pen to paper on a mega-money contract back in 2019 and has remained No 1 at Old Trafford despite dips in form and several manager changes.
De Gea, signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, is now 31 and questions remain over whether he is the man Erik ten Hag wants long-term. It leaves United's top brass with a decision to make but the shot-stopper, who has started every game so far this term, underlined his desire to remain.
He told BT Sport after Sunday's victory at Everton : " ‘It was great to be in goal today, with the team fighting for three points. I’m just very focused on the games helping the team as much as I can. Of course, I would like to be here for more years, so let’s see what happens in the future. I’m really, really happy here."
De Gea has made almost 500 appearance for the Red Devils and played under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and now Ten Hag. The Dutchman is still implementing his style in Manchester but may consider replacements if De Gea cannot be more influential with the ball at his feet.
Ten Hag and the club must also decide what to do with Dean Henderson, who is currently out on loan at Nottingham Forest. There has previously been a clamour for the Englishman to replace De Gea as No 1 - and he has been given brief opportunities. However the player spoke damningly about the club earlier this year.
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De Gea's comments at the weekend echo what he'd said in the summer, where he outlined his want to stay and win silverware before he leaves. He told the Daily Mail : “If it’s possible, of course [I would stay]. I would be really happy to be here for as long as they want. If they let me stay here, I will stay here, for sure. I’m really comfortable, really happy and hopefully, before I leave we can win something."
Ten Hag was on the look out for a back-up goalkeeper in the summer who could put genuine pressure on his No 1 and may well continue his search when the transfer window re-opens. Currently Tom Heaton is his understudy with Martin Dubravka also in the squad after joining recently.
