Manchester United legend Roy Keane has advised the club to move on from goalkeeper David de Gea, despite the Spaniard winning the Premier League Golden Glove award this season.
De Gea received the accolade for keeping 17 clean sheets in the league, three more than his closest competitor Alisson Becker. However, Keane expressed his dissatisfaction with De Gea’s overall performance and suggested that the club is unlikely to achieve consistent success with the 32-year-old as their goalkeeper.
The former United captain believes that due to De Gea’s recurring mistakes in recent years, it is best for the club to part ways with him.
Throughout the season, the Spaniard has had a mixed performance, making four errors that resulted in goals, which Keane finds unacceptable.
Additionally, the goalkeeper has been criticized for his passing from the back, often leading to giving away possession, although his teammates have managed to cover for his errors.
As reported by the Metro, the former United star said:
“Manchester United had to improve defensively from last year because they were so bad. They’re all patting De Gea on the back there. I’d move him on quickly.”
“He wouldn’t be for me, he’s not going to get Manchester United back winning trophies, absolutely not. The idea that the players are patting him on the back is ridiculous, that’s his job. No, you wouldn’t keep him as a No. 2. He wouldn’t want that, he wouldn’t stay for that.”
“He’s done okay, he’s won a few Player of the Year awards – but what big deal is that? It’s about what the team is achieving.
“I think he’s made far too many mistakes over the years. He was trying to leave the club for a few years ago and go to Real Madrid.”
🗣 "I'd move him out quickly De Gea."
Roy Keane shares his thoughts on the Manchester United keeper 🔴 pic.twitter.com/7r6xlmaMLw
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 28, 2023
Despite criticism, De Gea still enjoys the support of manager Erik ten Hag, who acknowledges the goalkeeper’s impressive performances.
The keeper has made remarkable saves that have earned crucial points for United, leading to a strong bond with the supporters.
Presently, the goalkeeper is close to finalizing a new contract and is expected to remain as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper for his 13th consecutive year at the club.
However, Ten Hag may evaluate De Gea’s performances to determine whether a younger replacement with superior distribution and goalkeeping abilities should be brought in.
