Midway through an interview at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Perth on Manchester United’s pre-season tour last summer, David de Gea was asked about his contract situation and the possibility of ending his career at Old Trafford.
De Gea told us as cited by Sports Central: ‘If it’s possible, of course. ‘If they let me stay here, I will stay here, for sure.’
It was a curious response and one that seemed to imply the ball was in United’s court. It also goes some way to explaining why De Gea’s future is only about to be resolved 10 months later.
On one hand, we are talking about a man who is already assured of a place in the pantheon of goalkeeping greats at Old Trafford: a four-time player of the year for the club who is still in his prime at the age of 32.
De Gea beat Alex Stepney’s appearance record for a United keeper when he played against West Ham at the weekend. In February, he eclipsed Peter Schmeichel’s record of clean sheets, and leads the Premier League in shut-outs this season with 15.
On the other hand, however, De Gea is attracting negative scrutiny at a time when contract talks appear to be heading towards a positive conclusion.
Then he was flailing hopelessly at Said Benrahma’s rather tame effort which bounced over his outstretched right hand to give West Ham victory at the London Stadium.
It was the fourth time this season that De Gea’s gaffes have led directly to a goal. United have had to make a decision about the future of their long-serving No 1 who is about to complete his 12th season at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag insisted at the weekend that he wants De Gea to stay, and that may be true. But United’s lukewarm attitude is significant.
Negotiations have dragged on with just seven weeks to go before De Gea becomes a free agent. He has been able to talk to foreign clubs since January 1.
When United tied Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Fred and Diogo Dalot to 12-month extensions in December, they declined to do the same for De Gea.
The main reason for this was the keeper’s £375,000-a-week salary — he is the top earner at Old Trafford.
United want De Gea to take a pay cut — again, hardly a resounding vote of confidence — and that has been the main sticking point in discussions.
Talks are ongoing and there is now optimism on both sides that an agreement will be reached before his current deal runs out on June 30.
The other factor is how much it would cost to replace De Gea in summer when a large chunk of Ten Hag’s budget is expected to be spent on a striker, central midfielder and centre back. World-class keepers don’t come cheap.
Although much has changed at United since he spoke in Perth, the uncertainty over his future has remained.
As and when United do confirm the new contract, it will feel less like a declaration of love and more like a marriage of convenience.
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