Despite the advancements achieved by Manchester United this season under manager Erik ten Hag, the team's FA Cup final loss to rivals Manchester City demonstrated that there is still much work to be done if the Red Devils are to one day compete with Pep Guardiola's squad in the following campaign.
The future of United's goalkeeping ranks is a major worry that has grown after that 2-1 defeat, as long-serving asset David De Gea hasn't exactly shone after failing to stop Ilkay Gundogan's second-half goal.
The failure to stop what appeared to be a "saveable" shot on goal, according to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, is just one more reason why the Spaniard "needs moving on," even though he only recently won the Premier League's Golden Glove award for keeping the most clean sheets in the league.
There have been rumors that the 32-year-old may receive a new contract this summer in an effort to prolong his 12-year stint at Old Trafford, yet it is telling that Ten Hag is said to be giving no assurances that the £375k-per-week player will continue to be the top choice.
There have been suggestions that the club should end the former Atletico Madrid player's United career because of the expiration of his current contract later this month. Club legend Gary Neville said last week that the Red Devils "do need to get rid of him either now or if they've not got the money then obviously a year later is the maximum."
Neville made reference to the fact that it is unclear whether Ten Hag would have enough money in the budget to find a competent alternative for the 45-cap international, but even so, the former Ajax manager must avoid sticking with his present number one out of sheer convenience.
It certainly seem that De Gea should move on to greener pastures, and it will undoubtedly be a huge bonus to move a player who, according to Caplology, accounts for the highest percentage of the team's wage expenditure at 9%.
Many of the complaints about the 6'4" stopper are focused on his passing difficulties. Triple-champion Paul Scholes claimed that his former teammate "isn't the best footballer" because he finished the season with a league-low average pass accuracy rate of just 68%, far below that of City teammate Ederson (84%), for example.
De Gea is also not immune from the occasional slip-up with his hands, having made two mistakes that resulted in goals in the Premier League in 2022–2023, as his error versus City at the weekend also demonstrated.
He was oddly penetrated at his near post in the FA Cup victory over Everton earlier this year, with Conor Coady ultimately tapping in from point-blank range. He also let Said Benrahama's feeble effort slip by him in the loss to West Ham United last month.
There was also the dreadful night in Seville when the towering asset gave the ball to Youssef En-Nesyri in the lead-up to the third goal of the match after also failing to stop Loic Bade's relatively innocent header.
Regarding the current match against Guardiola and co., Luckhurst noted that De Gea had previously 'made a howler' against Chelsea in the same competition at the semi-final stage in 2020.
According to commentator Jamie Carragher, Ten Hag now has a "big problem" with the inconsistent goalie. The Dutchman must be merciless and fire the champion before the upcoming season.
However, rumors alleged that Saudi Arabian suitors are seeking for the 32 year old's signature, meanwhile, it's not yet clear if he will extend his contract at Old Trafford which expires next year.
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