At fault for a number of goals finding the back of his net in recent weeks, David De Gea’s future at Old Trafford has been questioned by a number of outlets, especially since his contract is due to expire in the summer of 2020.
This means that should Manchester United want to make some money off of him, a sale would be needed in the next few months.
The problem is, even if Dave has somewhat forgotten how to save, few within the Manchester United fanbase would want their Spanish goalkeeper to go this summer.
After all, the chances of getting a replacement with a similar ability are slim to non-existent, and the few players that match said criteria, like Jan Oblak, aren’t exactly affordable.
In layman’s terms: the mentality at Carrington should be to throw all of the money at De Gea.
However, it appears those in charge are somewhat reluctant to do so (or the Spaniard has categorically stated wants to leave), meaning there are now reports claiming the Red Devils have started contacting other goalkeepers, like Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois.
The news comes from Euro United, an affiliate of Paris United, explaining that despite Manchester United being in touch with the Belgium international, his agent would prefer his client to stay in Spain’s capital.
Keylor Navas is said to have Zinedine Zidane’s preference at the Santiago Bernabeu, exemplified by him starting six of the last eight league games, which would suggest the 32-year-old is likely to be the regular starter going forward.
AS in Spain, however, have a completely different perspective on the matter, recalling how close the Costa Rica international was to joining Manchester United back in 2015, after Real Madrid told their summer signing they ‘count on him’.
They state Navas hired Jorge Mendes to find him a new club when Courtois was the guaranteed starter under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari, and England would be his likeliest destination then.
Still, Zidane’s choices appear to suggest otherwise, so that might be put on the back burner for the time being, and perhaps it is the Belgian who could be sacrificed.
Whether a move to Manchester United is a serious option for him, however, will have to wait until we know a bit more about David De Gea’s future.