Man Utd: Ten Hag 'might consider' replacing 45-cap star at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may consider replacing goalkeeper David De Gea next summer if the right player becomes available at Old Trafford, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 45-cap Spain international has retained his place as the Red Devils’ number one but his days could now be numbered in the North West.

What is the latest on De Gea?

According to ESPN, via Metro, United captain Harry Maguire holds the 31-year-old’s poor communication and unwillingness to come off his line responsible for his own poor form.

De Gea also came under fire when United travelled to Brentford earlier this season when his error allowed Josh Dasilva to find the net from distance to open the scoring in the 4-0 defeat.

Ten Hag’s patience is being tested too, with the former Ajax boss left unconvinced by his number one and considering a move for Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak, according to Jeunes Footeux.

His contract is also set to expire at the end of the season. After De Gea was handed his latest extension back in 2019, Jose Mourinho suggested his former shot-stopper was ‘lucky’ to be offered the £375,000 per-week deal.

Martin Dubravka arrived at Old Trafford on loan for the season ahead of the latest transfer deadline to offer some more backup between the sticks after Dean Henderson was loaned out to Nottingham Forest.

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What has O’Rourke said on De Gea?

O’Rourke believes it would be a big surprise to see Ten Hag replace De Gea in the January transfer window, with the former Atletico star still an important presence in the dressing room.

But the journalist adds that the change could come in the summer if the right player becomes available.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s still a key figure in that Old Trafford dressing room as well right now, so I would be surprised if United did make a change in January, but maybe in the summer, if the right player is there, it’s something Ten Hag might consider.”

Would Oblak be an upgrade on De Gea?

The Slovenian kept four more clean sheets than De Gea last season and conceded 14 fewer goals than his Premier League counterpart.

However, Oblak also made 62 fewer saves than the United number one and only faced 96 shots on target in the 2021-22 La Liga campaign, compared to the 177 that peppered United’s goal.

It points to the Red Devils’ problems at the back going much deeper than just the goalkeeper and, while Oblak’s arrival may help in that regard, there is still plenty more work to be done.