Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern will be keeping a close eye on, probably, one of the most important deals to happen at Old Trafford.
United have just started to open talks with their number one goalkeeper David De Gea, the Spanish international’s current contract runs out in 2019, although there is the option of a one-year extension. Mourinho would surely be looking to tie down De Gea for a longer period to ward off long-term interest off Spanish Giants Real Madrid, much to the delight of our resident Red Devils.
Our regulars in the bar have seen De Gea go from a fragile targetted goalkeeper to one, if not the world’s best, keeper over his seven years at the club. Indeed if Ed Woodward gets the deal down on a long-term basis, the Red Devils will see the fruits of their labour.
With that in mind, our landlord takes a look at two reasons why the United board simply can not afford to mess up this deal…
Hard to Replace
United have had three major goalkeepers of note in the Premier League era, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin Van Der Sar and David De Gea. In between the stages, United have had a host of goalkeepers all looking to take the step up to fill their predecessor’s boots.
Our main barman thinks that United should offer De Gea whatever money he wants as it would cost a lot of money, especially in today’s market, to replace a keeper of De Gea’s quality and talent. Aside from a fully fit Manuel Neuer, there’s no one better in the world.
Influence
There’s been no greater player in the recent seasons, that has influenced a team more than the Spanish keeper, after winning back to back player of the year awards for United, it certainly highlighted to our punters the importance of the man to the team.
His Man of the Match display against Arsenal at the Emirates highlighted just how big a player he is for the Red Devils and Woodward will certainly have to pull out all the stops to get the terrific shot-stopper tied down. Losing him would be a massive blow both on and off the pitch.
