Ten Hag explains why error-prone De Gea should extend Manchester United's deal

Erik ten Hag has explained why error-prone David De Gea should extend his Manchester United contract.

Another error on Sunday by the Spaniard saw United go down at London Stadium against West Ham United. The goalkeeper slipped and allowed a weak shot from Said Benrahma to find the back of the net.

However, the manager wants the goalkeeper to stay; "We want him to stay, and we want him to extend his contract," said the Dutch tactician.

"He has the most clean sheets in the Premier League. We would not be here in this position without him. He has my belief. No concerns.

"That happens, but I think as a team you have to deal with it, you have to show character, be resilient, and bounce back."

This was De Gea’s fourth error leading to a goal this season, meaning he has the joint-highest tally in the Premier League for a goalkeeper alongside Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Spaniard also had a horror show during a Europa League match against Sevilla in April, which United lost and got eliminated from.

He is in contract extension talks with the club, and with Ten Hag showing confidence in him, he might as well extend his stay.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is not concerned about Liverpool’s current run, which is putting the Red Devils under immense pressure in the top four race.

United – with a game in hand – are a point above the Reds, who are on a six-match winning run.

"It's not about Liverpool; it's about us because, if you look at the table, we have everything in our hands," he said.

"If we bring our performance and we bring our standards, we will win games. We don't have to look to others, we have to look to ourselves, and we have to find a way to get back to our levels.

"Nothing changes. We could have made it easier if we had won, but we need three wins in four games. Everything is in our hands. We have to believe."

United have now lost back-to-back league games for the first time since the first two games of the season against Brighton and Brentford.