‘An absolute priority’ – Man Utd told to strengthen key position to take them to the ‘next level’

Stan Collymore believes that Manchester United should be looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department to take them to the next level.

David De Gea has been the number one under Erik ten Hag, although some questions have been raised over his distribution skills.

Collymore has laid out the importance of this position and has drawn a comparison to Liverpool and Manchester City when they were in a similar situation.

“One of the first things Manchester City and Liverpool did when they were looking to move to the next level was to invest in a new goalkeeper and I think it’s time Manchester United did the same,” Collymore told Caught Offside.

“I like David De Gea, I think he’s been phenomenal over the years for United, but his distribution lets him down and Erik Ten Hag will want a keeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can play to the traditional Ajax system of playing it out and building attacks from the back.

“Unfortunately, De Gea isn’t that type of player, so in my opinion, targeting a goalkeeper that can do the things De Gea can’t is an absolute priority for United this summer.”

United have been linked with several goalkeepers since Ten Hag’s arrival, including the likes of David Raya and Robert Sanchez.

De Gea has kept a total of 11 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, which is only bettered by Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.

While Collymore thinks that De Gea could be replaced, he still thinks that he could offer something from a mentoring role.

The Spanish goalkeeper has played 523 games for United and ranks 10th on the all-time appearances list.

“I’d like to see De Gea take up a more mentoring role next season and beyond. If he stays, which it looks like he will.

“I think he is a brilliant pro, who, after over a decade at the club, knows exactly what’s involved in being Manchester United’s number one. So the club should use his experience and know-how to help bed in their next number one.”

Dean Henderson is also contracted with the club until 2025, although he looks more than likely to leave in the summer.

The 26-year-old has spent the season on loan with Nottingham Forest, but has been out of action since January with an injury.

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