David De Gea contract talks: Erik ten Hag gives his verdict, alarming Manchester United stat surfaces

There are plenty of Premier League players who are out of contract this summer, but David De Gea’s situation at Manchester United is definitely one of the most talked about. After 12 years at Old Trafford, the shot-stopper’s future is uncertain right now.

Erik ten Hag has confirmed he wants to see De Gea pen a new deal, despite a lot of talk lately over some of his blunders in goal. His latest mistake came against West Ham when he was unable to keep a tame effort from Said Benrahma out, resulting in a United loss.

De Gea rejected United’s initial contract offer last month but talks are ongoing between the two. Here is the latest news surrounding the Spaniard’s looming contract expiration.

Erik ten Hag wants De Gea to stay

After United’s loss to West Ham on Sunday, Ten Hag was asked about De Gea’s situation, to which he responded: “We want him to stay and we want him to extend his contract.”

The Dutchman also seems to be firmly in the 32-year-old’s corner, and highlighted his strong performances this season, stating: “He has the most clean sheets in the Premier League. So we would not be in this position without him.”

De Gea last signed a new deal back in 2019, committing his future to the Reds until the summer of 2023. That date has now come around and once again he has a decision to make but it’s a lot more complicated than just signing the paper.

Alarming stat emerges

De Gea is having quite the contrasting campaign between the sticks, and in turn, it has birthed contrasing opinions of him. While he tops the charts for most Premier League clean sheets kept this season with 15, he has also been quite error-prone.

After an error from the 32-year-old led to West Ham’s only goal on Sunday, OptaJoe revealed that De Gea has made four errors that led to an opposition goal across all competitions this term. This is the joint-most of any Premier League player, tied with Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris.

Club divided over De Gea future

Ten Hag may be completely Team David, but senior figures at the club reportedly have reservations about keeping him at Man United. This is due to his recent errors leading to potentially harmful goals as United continue their fight for Champions League football.

De Gea currently earns £375,000 per week but the Reds are said to be attempting to convince him to take a cut, which would put him on £200,000 per week. However, even on a reduced salary, some individuals are questioning whether it would be the right choice to extend De Gea’s tenure at Old Trafford.