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Erik ten Hag ahead of the Fulham game
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has told the board to keep hold of David De Gea, according to reports. The Spain international has started every Premier League game so far this season, helping the Red Devils recover from a shaky start to climb up the table. And though Martin Dubravka got the nod against Aston Villa in midweek, the veteran is expected to return to the side for today’s showdown with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
De Gea made errors earlier in the campaign as United slipped to defeats to the likes of Brighton and Brentford.
But the 32-year-old has been consistent in the time since, playing a role in the Red Devils’ recent resurgence as they climb up the table.
De Gea is expected to start for United against Fulham today as they look to bounce back from last week’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park.
And, ahead of that game, the Daily Star have claimed Ten Hag has told the Red Devils hierarchy he wants to keep the Spain international at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag likes a goalkeeper to be capable of playing out from the back and, though De Gea has historically struggled to do that, he’s shown signs of improvement this term.
Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag is preparing for Fulham showdown (Image: GETTY)
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The veteran’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
And Ten Hag feels De Gea is worth keeping, especially if the 31-year-old indicates a willingness to reduce his huge wages of £375,000-a-week.
United will, at the end of the season, welcome Dean Henderson back from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
There has been an expectancy until now that, when Henderson returns, he’ll automatically become Ten Hag’s No 1.
But if United keep De Gea, it’s feasible the former Atletico Madrid star will continue to be a regular between the sticks - especially given his impressive performances of late.
The Red Devils shot-stopper is one of the last disciples of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, having been at the club ever since his arrival in the summer of 2011.
De Gea initially experienced teething problems in English football, with the physicality clearly too much for him when he was younger.
But he bounced back to prove himself and is now a United legend, having made over 500 appearances for the team in the 11 years since his arrival.
De Gea was part of the squad that last won the Premier League title back in 2013.
And he’s also helped United win trophies such as the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League as well.