Man Utd exploring De Gea replacement despite Ten Hag publicly backing goalkeeper after howler

Reports have claimed that Manchester United are still considering signing a new goalkeeper in the summer, despite Erik ten Hag backing David De Gea.

The Spanish goalkeeper has had an up-and-down season at Old Trafford to say the least.

While he does boast 15 clean sheets in the league, he has been guilty of several howlers this season with the latest coming against West Ham.

Ten Hag himself has backed the 32-year-old and it does look likely that he will extend his contract at the end of the season.

“Frustrating? Yes, I’ve seen it in the same way. I think we started well, dictated the game, created chances, didn’t take them and then one mistake,” Ten Hag said after the game.

“(De Gea) has the most clean sheets in the Premier League, we would not be in this position without him. No concerns. It happens but as a team you have to deal with it, show character and resilience.

“We want him to stay and to extend his contract.”

Despite the Man United manager backing the Spanish shot-stopper, they are still being linked with several alternatives.

Even if De Gea does extend his contract with the club, Ten Hag will be keen to work with a younger alternative who can push him for the starting spot.

Ben Jacobs has discussed the goalkeepers that Man United are currently looking at in his latest CaughtOffside column.

‘Manchester United’s intention is still to keep de Gea, and the stops he made against Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final show why.

‘De Gea is expected to sign a new deal on reduced wages, with an agreement not far off, but that hasn’t stopped Manchester United looking at alternatives, especially with Dean Henderson, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, also not wanting to return to the club unless he’s crowned No.1,” Jacobs explains.

‘David Raya is one player to watch with Brentford resigned to losing him during the summer. Thomas Frank has said he’s worth at least £40m.

‘Porto’s Diogo Costa is another name Manchester United (and Chelsea) have been scouting. Mike Maignan is not expected to leave Milan and is healthily contracted even if he doesn’t agree to new terms, but that’s another goalkeeper Erik ten Hag rates.

‘And I still wouldn’t rule out a Premier League club moving for Jordan Pickford, even though he’s signed a new deal until 2027 with no relegation clause in it. There is still an informal agreement if Everton go down that Pickford can leave.’

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