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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Erik ten Hag's stance on David de Gea and new goalkeeper transfer after FA Cup final

Erik ten Hag has no immediate plans to replace David de Gea as Manchester United 's No 1.

The Spaniard has commanded a starting berth as the team's goalkeeper since signing in 2011, but doubts have swirled over his future at Old Trafford. De Gea, who previously won the club's Player of the Year four times in five years, has become increasingly error prone.

His contract has also been winding down in recent months, but a new deal is set to be announced imminently. United also have no intention of spending significant money on a new goalkeeper over the summer, according to the Telegraph, meaning De Gea is set to reprise his role as the team's No 1 heading into Ten Hag's second season.

The goalkeeper found himself under the microscope once more after United's season ended with FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. Ilkay Gundogan scored twice but it was his second goal, the winner, which led several to question whether De Gea should've done more.

The German's scuffed shot trickled past United's goalkeeper, despite him getting a hand on it. Ten Hag though refused to criticise his shotstopper: "In this moment, I don't want to talk about such issues of criticism because we played all a great season - including David De Gea, he played a fantastic season."

De Gea was singled out for individual praise in the club's final game of the league season as he was awarded the Golden Glove having kept the most clean sheets. The Spaniard has conceded some big numbers, including six at City and seven against Liverpool.

David De Gea has seen his future at the club questioned (Getty Images)

Nevertheless he still kept 17 clean sheets - three more than any of his competition. United's summer priorities are adding a new No.9, with goalscoring a particular issue, whilst two midfielders and a left-sided forward are also on Ten Hag's shortlist.

Opinion continues to be divided on De Gea, who has made notable errors against Sevilla and West Ham in recent months. The Spaniard's distribution doesn't appear suitable for the system Ten Hag eventually wants to implement in Manchester with Roy Keane keen to see him leave.

He told Sky Sports: "I'd move him on quickly, he's not for me, he's not going to get Man United back winning trophies, absolutely not. This idea of everybody patting him on the head, it's just ridiculous. That's his job."

Dean Henderson has returned to Old Trafford following his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. The England international has previously pushed De Gea for his starting jersey, but has made no secret of his desire to move on if he will not be first choice.

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