Ben Guest
David de Gea is said to be ‘determined to fight’ for his position as Manchester United’s number one once he returns to pre-season training.
The United stopper has been the club’s undisputed first-choice ‘keeper ever since he joined the club from Atletico Madrid 10 years ago, scooping the Player of the Year award on a record four occasions.
The last 12 months have, however, been the most challenging of De Gea’s spell at Old Trafford, the Spaniard seeing his form dip before eventually losing his place in the side to Dean Henderson for Premier League matches.
De Gea did keep his place as United made their way to the Europa League final, though the 30-year-old missed his decisive effort after he was unable to keep out any of the 11 penalties against him in the shootout – the ‘keeper having failed to keep out a spot-kick since the FA Cup semi-final win over Everton in 2016.
Not only is his place under threat at United, but he has also been relegated to number two for Spain, with Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon having featured in all La Roja’s Euro 2020 games to date.
While some have suggested that De Gea will look to exit the club, ESPN say that he is ‘determined to fight for his place’.
Aside from Henderson, United have recently re-signed former academy ‘keeper Tom Heaton on a free transfer, who instantly outlined his ambitions to force his way into the first team.
Henderson and Heaton are expected to be given an early opportunity to impress during pre-season, with De Gea to have an extended break given Spain’s run to the semi-finals.
The report says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ‘yet to make a decision’ on who will be his first choice for the 2021/22 campaign, and De Gea is keen to ‘stake his claim’ for the gloves.
Even if De Gea is unable to re-establish himself as first-choice number one, a move away from Old Trafford appears unlikely, the ‘keepers current £375,000-a-week salary appearing prohibitive for any potential suitors, with United ‘yet to receive any concrete interest’.
United kick off their Premier League campaign with a mouthwatering fixture against Leeds at Old Trafford on August 14th.
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See also – Remembering the Spain team that thrashed Italy to win Euro 2012