Neville warns Man Utd over ‘problem’ as he recommends De Gea replacement who could ‘step up’
Gary Neville thinks Brentford goalkeeper David Raya could be a good signing for Man Utd but warns of the potential “problem” with replacing David de Gea.
The Red Devils are having a good season under Erik ten Hag with the Dutchman already having something to show for their progress after beating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Man Utd are yet to agree terms with De Gea over a contract extension with the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper’s deal expiring in the summer.
Talks have reportedly been positive but that has not stopped rumours that Ten Hag is looking to bring in another goalkeeper over the summer.
Brentford stopper Raya has been linked with a number of Premier League club’s recently and Neville likes the look of the Spaniard.
“I think Raya would interest United in the summer,” Neville said on The Overlap.
“I went to watch Brentford a couple of weeks ago… I think he’s going to become available, he’s only got a year left. I think he could step up.”
But Neville is wary of the issues that come with being the Man Utd number one with the former right-back still viewing it as “the single most difficult position in English football”.
Neville added: “It is a problem that. I’ve said it’s the single most difficult position in English football being the Manchester United goalkeeper. I genuinely believe that.
“I think Liverpool’s number one is the second. And that’s not to be disrespectful to all other clubs, I think the Manchester United goalkeeper comes under more scrutiny if they make a mistake than any other position in English football on the pitch.
“It’s tough! And I’ve seen lads in that goal [struggle]. That’s the problem they’ve got. It’s whether [a new goalkeeper] can handle that stadium.
“I think it’s that element of that lull that they experience where the team are attacking at home for, say, 10 minutes and the keeper hasn’t touched the ball and they’re just there. It’s that concentration goalkeepers need to have when they’re not involved in the game.
“I always think a Manchester United goalkeeper – or any goalkeeper – needs to have unbelievable concentration because you might go five minutes without touching the ball.
“We’re [outfield players] always involved, or just in our positions, but a goalkeeper can just be redundant for a period in a game. I think that’s a really tough thing to have to deal with.”
Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given – who also appeared on The Overlap – reckons Raya would be a good option for Man Utd.
Given continued: “I do like him. If you’re saying Ten Hag wants to be the perfect Ajax manager and play out from the back, spraying it all over the place like Ederson, I think someone like Raya is very, very comfortable with the ball. But is he a better shot-stopper [than De Gea]?”
