Manchester United fans were given the chance to ask goalkeeper David de Gea questions this week, with the club having a three-week break from fixtures due to the FA Cup and international break. Fans flocked to ask the club's No.1 some questions and the first published answer raised some eyebrows.
One United fan asked if De Gea had always played in goal and if he didn't which outfield position would he play. In a response published on the club's official website, he replied: "I played up front at school in Madrid, then at a soccer school there too. I used to combine the two roles and play as a striker and then in goal. But, in the end, I realised I was a better keeper.
“When I was young, I used to play outfield as well. Not just as a keeper. So which position I would like to play if I was an outfielder? I’m not sure but probably midfield. A no.6 trying to take the ball and make some good passes. Yes, a holding midfielder, having the ball and trying to make the team play better.”
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While De Gea's shot-stopping has long been lauded by United fans, the rest of his game has often come under fire. The goalkeeper has some of the worst distribution in the league and he consistently stays on his line, which means that he also ranks low in the stats for crosses claimed and sweeps outside the box.
And with Erik ten Hag potentially coming in as manager, this has been under even more scrutiny. The Dutch manager likes his keeper to be part of the build-up consistently and come out of the box to support the high line, which is something that De Gea would have to add to his game if he wanted to keep his place.
So the revelation that he would have to play in one of the most proactive positions on the pitch which puts an emphasis on passing ability was shocking and many United fans took the opportunity to offer a tongue in cheek response to the keeper's suggestions. You can see what they said in the comments below:
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