SUMMARY
- Onana, who replaced David de Gea between the sticks, has met with howlers who saw United's season go from far to worse.
- De Gea, who has been a stalwart for Manchester United after spending 12 years at the club, was not handed a new contract by the club.
It hasn’t been the ideal replacement for Erik ten Hag since he signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan last summer for $47 million. Onana, who replaced David de Gea between the sticks, has met with howlers who saw United’s season go from far to worse.
De Gea, who has been a stalwart for Manchester United after spending 12 years at the club, was not handed a new contract by the club. The Dutch manager had his sights set on the Cameroonian goalkeeper and ended up signing him to replace de Gea. However, things didn’t go in favor of the manager as fans started comparing him to de Gea.
The difference could be noted on the pitch. The Spanish goalkeeper, known for his excellent shot-stopping skills and reflexes, currently has the upper hand against Onana. In a recent interview, he admitted the fact that he is better than the former Inter Milan goalkeeper.
David de Gea says he believes he’s a little better than André Onana 👀
Do you agree with the ex Manchester United goalkeeper?👀
pic.twitter.com/rjUeLYdUu0— NÏW (@Niw_cf) January 20, 2024
In the interview, de Gea was asked to state who was a better player between him and Onana. The Spaniard didn’t think twice about answering the question. He said, “To be honest, I’m much better than him. He’s good, but I’m a bit better than him.”
This revelation from de Gea himself proves how much impact Onana’s howlers and performances over the games had at Manchester United. The 27-year-old has already let in 47 goals this season from only 30 games, and it has been a headache for the fans of Manchester United, let alone Erik ten Hag.
The reason behind David de Gea’s departure from Manchester United
David de Gea’s 12-year stay at the helm of Old Trafford came to an end last season, and he was let go last season by the club. De Gea, who had a contract with Manchester United until 2023, wasn’t given an extension by the club, forcing his departure.
DE GEA CONTRACT EXPIRED!!! He didn’t want to sign his new offer!! Why is everyone acting like we got rid of him! It’s his own fault!
— Deco (@deco2232) January 20, 2024
However, it has to do not only with his contract but rather with his playing style. Erik ten Hag, who generally starts the build-up from the back, needed a ball-playing keeper. However, de Gea, who wasn’t that promising with his feet, remained below the wishlist of the Dutch manager.
His exit also had to do with his high wages. De Gea used to earn a total of £375,000 per week, which didn’t fit the standards of ten Hag. It is because Ten Hag was looking forward to introducing a salary cap with a maximum wage limit of £250,000.
Is David de Gea returning to soccer amid transfer interest from multiple clubs?
As the winter transfer window is coming to an end, there are still no signs of David de Gea’s return to soccer. However, after spending almost half a year away from the game, the Spaniard may fancy a return to the pitch anytime soon.
🚨 David de Gea has made it clear that he still does not want to join a club in the Saudi Pro League. 🇸🇦❌
(Source: 90min) pic.twitter.com/Ujr4w7SAGN
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 21, 2023
The 33-year-old will look forward to regaining his spot for the European Championship later this year. Still at the highest level of his game, and with a few years left ahead of him, de Gea will now choose his next club carefully.
It is believed that de Gea might return to Spain, as several Spanish clubs are interested in signing the goalkeeper. Clubs like Sevilla and Valencia didn’t have the best of starts to the season and may sign the former Manchester United goalkeeper to solidify the defense. De Gea may also end up in Saudi Arabia, as clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad are exploring his situation.
