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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Man Utd insider pinpoints moment Erik ten Hag changed his mind about David de Gea

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is thought to have changed his mind on goalkeeper David de Gea after three high-profile errors towards the back end of last season.

The Spanish shot-stopper has been the number one at Old Trafford the majority of his 12-year stay at the club, but as things stand is technically out of contract with huge uncertainty clouding his future at club level. De Gea's deal with United expired at the beginning of this month and he is yet to pen a new one.

It is believed that he is locked in negotiations with the Red Devils hierarchy over a possible renewal, but even if he were to stay De Gea could see both his wages and game time drastically reduced.

This is because Ten Hag is thought to view Andre Onana, currently of Inter Milan, as his ideal candidate to take the reins as United's number one goalkeeper from next season onwards. The United boss is well-versed in Onana's strengths from their shared time at Ajax.

Any transfer for Onana hinges on the next steps for De Gea, who could be cast aside directly because of three errors he made towards the end of last season.

Sources close to the club have told the Manchester Evening News that Ten Hag's stance on the Spaniard shifted after De Gea was at fault for goals conceded against Sevilla, West Ham and Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Where will De Gea play his football next season? Comment below

David de Gea's poor form at the back end of last season may have cost him his place at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

All three were moments where De Gea should have done better but he may feel he has been harshly treated if those mistakes are what cost him his future at Old Trafford as the speculation surrounding Onana's potential switch only grows louder.

Inter Milan are expected to reject United's first official bid for their shot-stopper, which came in at €40million plus €5m in add-ons. The Italian giants are holding out for £60m.

United have also kept tabs on Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow as well as enquired about Brentford ace David Raya and Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa.

Dean Henderson remains on the books at United but is widely believed by those within the club that he will soon depart due to his desire to be first-choice.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with the 26-year-old given he spent last term on loan at the City Ground, but it remains to be seen whether they meet United's asking price of £30m.

It is sure to be an interesting few weeks regarding who lines up between the sticks for United next season.

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