David De Gea’s future at Manchester United is in fresh doubt after the Spanish goalkeeper was left off the club’s shortlist.
The on-off saga over De Gea’s contract has taken another turn, with sources confirming that United are now less optimistic that the 32-year-old will stay at Old Trafford.
Mail Sport understands the terms of a new deal to reduce De Gea’s current £375,000-a-week wages were agreed some time ago, but manager Erik ten Hag is not convinced to keep the former Atletico Madrid man as his No. 1.
Ten Hag would rather sign a new first-choice, but the likes of Inter Milan’s Andre Onana or Brentford’s David Raya are valued at around £40m, as opposed to the £15m it would cost to bring in a De Gea competitor.
It underlines the problems facing United this summer, working on a tighter budget to meet Financial Fair Play requirements.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was left out of the club’s official retained list on Friday
Man Utd want to sign David Raya (left) or Andre Onana but may not have the budget
A striker and midfielder are the priority positions, with United already bidding £40m for Mason Mount – who is valued at £70m by Chelsea – and expressing interest in Atalanta centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund, who could cost around £60m.
United need to sell players to fund more new signings and would prefer to secure De Gea on a new deal rather than having to buy a replacement.
However, Ten Hag has reservations after a season in which De Gea was criticized for a series of high-profile mistakes and his skills with the ball at his feet, although he still won the Premier League’s Golden Glove award.
It came to a head in the FA Cup final last month when De Gea was blamed for Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial second goal in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over their neighbours, and again came under fire for his poor distribution from the back.
De Gea’s current deal expires on June 30, when he would be able to leave as a free agent, ending a 12-year career at United. He has been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
There is still a possibility he could stay at Old Trafford and the club released a statement yesterday saying: ‘Discussions are still open with David over a potential new contract.’
But while Under-21 player-coach Tom Huddlestone and forward Mateo Mejia were included in the retained list on the back of being offered new deals, De Gea’s name was conspicuous by its absence.
United also confirmed that back-up goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Nathan Bishop have extended their contracts.
Another option is Dean Henderson, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and has been open to a permanent move to the City Ground if De Gea stays at United.
Henderson is currently recovering from surgery on a hamstring injury but is expected to be ready for the start of the new season.
Mason Greenwood’s name was also on the retained list, although it is understood the 21-year-old striker’s inclusion reflects the fact he is under contract until 2025 and is not indicative of the outcome of an internal club investigation after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape and assault against him in February.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said last month that he hopes the Spanish goalkeeper will stay at the club
However, De Gea’s turbulent form throughout the season raises questions about his future
United have still not made a decision on Greenwood’s future, but revealed last week that one of the options being considered is to send him out on loan to a foreign club next season.
United, who have also extended the contracts of defenders Rhys Bennett and Ethan Laird, confirmed that Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe, Ethan Galbraith and Di’Shon Bernard are on the way.
The former Atletico Madrid keeper was expected to agree terms after protracted negotiations despite the pay cut and a warning that he would no longer be guaranteed the No.1 spot.
But De Gea faced criticism last season for a series of high-profile mistakes and his skills with the ball at his feet, although he ended the campaign with the Premier League’s Golden Glove award.
It came to a head in the FA Cup final last month when De Gea was blamed for Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial second goal in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over their neighbours, and again came under fire for his poor distribution from the back.
Manager Erik ten Hag refused to single out De Gea for criticism after the game at Wembley but admitted the Spaniard needed to work on issues in his game.
Ten Hag are known to want a goalkeeper who is more competent with the ball at his feet and United are keen to make a new signing this summer regardless of the outcome of De Gea’s contract saga.
Dean Henderson could be another option for Man Utd when he returns from his thigh injury
However, how much money Ten Hag needs to spend could depend on whether he brings in competition for De Gea or signs a new No.1 to replace him.
Another option would be Dean Henderson, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and is open to a permanent move to the City Ground if De Gea stays at United.
Henderson is currently recovering from surgery on a hamstring injury but is expected to be ready for the start of the new season.
Two more United goalkeepers, Tom Heaton and Nathan Bishop, were included in the list after United confirmed they have extended their contracts, along with defenders Rhys Bennett and Ethan Laird.
But while Under-21 player-coach Tom Huddlestone and forward Mateo Mejia were noted on the back of having been offered new deals, De Gea’s omission was conspicuous.
United have confirmed that Mason Greenwood is among the players the club have retained this summer
Greenwood’s inclusion was equally notable, although it is understood to reflect the fact the 21-year-old striker is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025 and is not indicative of the outcome of an internal club investigation after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges about attempted rape and assault against him in February.
United are still yet to make a decision on Greenwood’s future, but Mail Sport revealed last week that one of the options being considered is to send him out on loan to a foreign club next season.
Eric Bailly and Alex Telles, who both spent last season on loan, are on the list, although they are expected to leave. Others leaving this summer include Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Fred, Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and Brandon Williams.
United confirmed that Phil Jones is leaving Old Trafford after 12 years, along with Axel Tuanzebe, Ethan Galbraith and Di’Shon Bernard.