Ten Hag backs error prone De Gea for long-term position

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has backed goalkeeper David De Gea to continue at the club for the long term despite his error-ridden display against Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg. 

The Red Devils were embarrassed 3-0 in Seville after conceding an early goal following a mix-up between De Gea and Maguire. 

After the early goal, things only got worse for Manchester United as they conceded two more goals, including one gifted to Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri by De Gea. 

Despite the poor showing, Ten Hag still defended his first-choice goalkeeper, saying he believed that De Gea would still be the club's No. 1 during his tenure. 

After the loss to Sevilla, Ten Hag was asked if De Gea would continue to be the first choice for Manchester United, and he replied, “David de Gea as long term goalkeeper? He is the one with the most clean sheets in the Premier League.

“That number shows he’s very capable goalkeeper”

De Gea’s current contract at Manchester United ends in the summer of 2023, and even though Ten Hag has spoken in glowing terms about the Spanish goalkeeper, there have not been concrete talks to renew his deal beyond the summer. 

Replacements have already been lined up for De Gea, with Manchester United eyeing Porto’s Diogo Dalot and Brentford’s David Raya, in case they decide not to renew the goalkeeper, who turns 33 in November. 

With his recent performances, it could be difficult for the club to justify a new deal for De Gea at his current salary.