Man Utd want to make a ‘major change’ as they prepare to let David de Gea leave the club in the summer, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been in good form since losing their opening two matches of the Premier League season to Brentford and Brighton as Erik ten Hag settled into his new job.
Since then, Man Utd have won 11 of their 15 Premier League matches, qualified for the Europa League round of 32, reached the quarter-finals of the League Cup and moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Man Utd are currently on course to finish inside the Premier League top four and secure qualification for the Champions League.
The Red Devils will no doubt be looking to strengthen all areas of their squad in the next few transfer windows and De Gea’s place has come under scrutiny in recent seasons.
At one point the Spaniard lost his place in the side to Dean Henderson – who is now on loan at Nottingham Forest – but eventually regained it to become undisputed number one.
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However, his terrible mistake in their 3-1 FA Cup third round victory over Everton has again seen some question his long-term place in Ten Hag’s side.
De Gea was caught out at the near post with the ball squirming through his legs, allowing Conor Coady to sweep the ball into the net.
And now Spanish publication Fichajes claims that De Gea ‘wants to stay’ at Man Utd but the club have now put him on the ‘exit ramp’ ahead of the summer.
The Spain international’s contract is up at the end of the season but the Premier League side have a one-year option to extend the deal, while previous reports have claimed that De Gea’s representatives and United are in talks about a potential longer renewal.
However, Fichajes insists that Man Utd have decided that they ‘need a major change’ in net after he ‘accumulated certain questionable performances’.
Several teams are ‘closely following De Gea’s situation’, including Atletico Madrid, with the Spaniard ‘going through a disastrous moment’ at Man Utd.
And Man Utd will ‘opt for a generational replacement’ in the summer transfer window as Ten Hag continues to build his own squad.
When asked about De Gea’s mistake for Everton’s goal on Saturday, former United midfielder Roy Keane said: “Listen, it’s a shocking mistake from an international goalkeeper.
“De Gea there, it’s like Carry On football. It looks as if he’s had a few drinks. Shocking mistake.
“It’s almost as if the keepers been sent off and an outfield players gone in goal, he doesn’t know what to do! It’s a horrendous mistake.”
Fellow pundit Ian Wright added: “We’re talking about a goalkeeper that, not too long ago, was one of the best with his feet. I don’t know what’s happened there.”
Lee Dixon, who was doing co-commentary for the match, said: “David De Gea has had an absolute nightmare there. I’m not sure where he thinks the ball is going. What is he doing.
“I cannot believe what I’ve just seen. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world at making save with his feet but on that occasion, just put your gloves on it. What is going through his head.”
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