Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has backed David de Gea following recent blunders, but his mistakes may have repercussions next season.
United’s recent 1-0 loss to West Ham at the London Stadium started bad and got worse, with De Gea fumbling his first pass within just four minutes.
In the 27th, De Gea made another crucial mistake, which opened up the opportunity for 27-year-old Said Benrahma to score the game’s winning goal.
Following the match, questions were aimed at Ten Hag regarding the number of mistakes De Gea has committed this season.
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Ten Hag defended the 32-year-old and said: “We have the most clean sheets in the Premier League and we wouldn’t be in this position without him.
“Mistakes happen but he has my full belief and I have no concerns about him. We want him to stay and extend his contract.”
However, despite Ten Hag’s comments, it’s thought that De Gea could still lose the No.1 shirt next season.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are open to recruiting a new goalkeeper this summer.
This comes after De Gea’s constant blunders, as well as backup keeper Dean Henderson, being out until at least August with a thigh tear.
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Tom Heaton is also out of contract this summer, however, United have the option of extending for an extra year.
So, while United are keen to keep De Gea, we might not see him as the starting goalkeeper for much longer.
Following United’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham, the club now sits just one point clear of fifth-place Liverpool.
However, the team do have a game in hand, thus Champions League football could still be on the cards next season.
Regarding United's current Premier League placement, Ten Hag said: “Nothing changes. We could have made it easier with a result but we need three wins in four games and everything is still in our hands.
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“We started well, created chances and dictated the game but then just like at Brighton in midweek one individual mistake cost us.
He continued: “We have to learn to stay calm and composed. We had some chances but we have to create more.
“Now, for the first time since Christmas, we have a full week to reset, reload, and get the energy back to keep going.”
Manchester United’s next domestic league game is against Wolves. They will host the current 13th-place team at Old Trafford on Sunday 13 May.
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