Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has slammed his old club for the way in which they have dealt with the situation concerning David de Gea's future.
The Spaniard, who joined United more than a decade ago, will become a free agent on July 1 and it remains to be seen if he will extend his stay at Old Trafford.
Initially, De Gea was expected to sign a new deal at United on reduced terms. However, it emerged a fortnight ago that the shot-stopper was now increasingly likely to leave the club. Neither United or De Gea have clarified the situation as of yet, meaning supporters are being left guessing about whether the former Atletico Madrid ace has made his final appearance for the club or not.
Whatever the outcome, and there should be one very soon, Ferdinand has criticised the club for the handling of the situation, admitting he is a "little bit gutted" with how it has played out.
READ MORE: United aren't acting like elite clubs should do with De Gea indecision
Ferdinand, speaking on the Vibe with Five podcast, said: "It's a funny situation. Whether you think David de Gea is good enough for Manchester United anymore is up for debate.
"But he's been an unreal servant to this football club. He's been there for 12 years and been Player for the Year multiple times. In the main he's served the club remarkably well, he's an outstanding professional.
"There's a lot of people calling for him to leave and that's understandable and fair. I'm just a little bit gutted with how the club have handled this.
"It comes down to communication. I'm seeing more and more players leave with a sour taste and it's not right. I don't think it's fair on the player."
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the 32-year-old's Old Trafford future, United have been heavily linked with a collection of goalkeepers to succeed De Gea and become the club's new No.1, not least Inter Milan ace Andre Onana. Ferdinand, however, believes that the only way De Gea will stay is if they are unable to source an ideal replacement.
Ferdinand continued: "David must be sitting there and thinking, 'I never dreamed that I would leave the club in this way, in this manner'. I look at it now and how does David stay?
"The only way he stays is if United can't get Onana or whichever goalkeeper they go for. It would be difficult for him though because he'll be looking at the club in a different light.
"It was love before, maybe it's business now. It's disappointing and I hope it gets sorted out, for David and the club's sake."
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