David de Gea signs a new contract with Manchester United, but it’s a marriage of convenience…
- David de Gea looks ready to sign a contract extension with Manchester United
- It marks the end of a long period of talks and uncertainty between the two sides
- United’s reluctance to extend his stay for another 12 months on the same terms was telling
Midway through an interview at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Perth during Manchester United’s pre-season tour last summer, David de Gea was asked about his contract situation and the possibility of ending his career at Old Trafford.
“If possible, of course,” De Gea told us. “If they let me stay here, I’ll definitely stay here.”
It was a curious reaction and one that seemed to suggest the ball was in United’s camp. It also goes some way to explaining why De Gea’s future is only about to be resolved 10 months later.
On the one hand, we’re talking about a man already secured a place in the pantheon of goalkeeping greats at Old Trafford: a four-time player of the year for the club who, at 32, is still in his prime.
De Gea beat Alex Stepney’s record for a United goalkeeper when he played West Ham this weekend. In February, he surpassed Peter Schmeichel’s clean sheet record to lead the Premier League in shutouts this season with 15.
David de Gea is about to sign a new contract with Manchester United, but it’s a marriage of convenience
The goalkeeper made another mistake this weekend – his fourth such mistake led to a goal of the season
Negotiations between the club and De Gea have dragged on – a telling fact of his situation
On the other hand, however, De Gea is facing negative criticism at a time when contract talks appear to be heading for a positive conclusion.
Then he waved hopelessly at Said Benrahma’s rather tame effort that bounced over his outstretched right hand to give West Ham victory at the London Stadium.
It was the fourth time this season that De Gea’s blunders led directly to a goal. United have had to make a decision about the future of their long-serving number 1, who is about to complete his 12th season at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag insisted this weekend that he wants De Gea to stay, and that may be the case. But United’s lukewarm attitude is significant.
Negotiations drag on with just seven weeks to go before De Gea becomes a free agent. He has been able to talk to foreign clubs since January 1.
When United tied Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Fred and Diogo Dalot to a 12-month extension in December, they refused to do the same for De Gea.
The main reason for this was the keeper’s £375,000 a week salary – he is the biggest earner at Old Trafford.
United want De Gea to take a pay cut – again, hardly a resounding vote of confidence – and that has been the main sticking point in the discussions.
Erik ten Hag has confirmed his confidence in De Gea’s future as his number 1, but it’s a position of confidence that has been tested
The other factor in the decision to offer De Gea an extension is how much it would cost to replace him
Talks are underway and there is now optimism on both sides that an agreement will be reached before his current deal expires on June 30.
The other factor is how much it would cost to replace De Gea in the summer, when a large chunk of Ten Hag’s budget is expected to be spent on a striker, central midfielder and central defender. World-class goalkeepers don’t come cheap.
While much has changed at United since he spoke in Perth, uncertainty about his future has remained.
Once United confirm the new contract, it will feel less like a declaration of love and more like a marriage of convenience.
