Goalkeeper David de Gea moved to the top of the Premier League's all-time minutes played list following Manchester United's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Spaniard, who chalked up his 500th appearance for the Reds during the goalless draw with Newcastle United last month, has become the first player in the division's history to rack up more than 35,000 minutes worth of football. After playing the duration of the defeat to Villa, which marked the end of United's nine-game unbeaten run, De Gea has now racked up a total of 35,039 minutes as a Premier League player.
The record was previously held by former United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who racked up a very respectable 34,959 minutes worth of Premier League football during his career. He earned such an impressive tally during his time at Old Trafford, Birmingham City, Watford and West Bromwich Albion.
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De Gea, however, has now stormed to the top of the chart and will continue to consolidate his position at the top of it, given his status as United's No.1 shot-stopper. He has started every game in league and cup this season, becoming key in manager Erik ten Hag's thinking.
His nearest challenger still currently playing in the Premier League is Liverpool utility man James Milner. He, to date, has racked up 32,079 minutes in the division during his career.
Other names towards the top of the chart include retired quartet Petr Cech, Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry and Tim Howard. Of those four, Cech recorded the most minutes, playing 33,324.
De Gea, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Monday, is out-of-contract at Old Trafford next summer, but United are widely expected to trigger the one-year extension clause they have in his deal. He has started every Premier League game since the start of last season.
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