United's De Gea Problem pt. 2
picture via bleacherreport.com
Back in September of last year, I wrote a post that went into detail of what options Manchester United had should David De Gea chose to move clubs in that summer. Now with the season gone, a new issue regarding the Spanish goalkeeper has arisen. Even though De Gea was tied for the third-most clean sheets this season, many would not hold his season performance at a high standard. After making numerous errors throughout the campaign, some would call into question if he should be United’s first choice between the sticks. In today’s post, we are going to reevaluate once again the options Manchester United have for potential replacements this summer.
1) Dean Henderson, Manchester United
picture via talksport.com
Much speculation has been surrounding Manchester United loanee, Dean Henderson. The young Englishman who has spent the last few seasons playing for Sheffield United has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Now with his loan expiring, Henderson believes that he can challenge De Gea as the first choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford. However, a few good seasons are not enough to convince United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he should earn the first position. Ole has come out saying that the best thing for Henderson would probably be another loan spell. As United continue to pursue a Jadon Sancho acquisition whether or not Henderson will return to Sheffield United on loan will have to wait.
2) Kasper Schmeichel, Leicester City
picture via goal.com
Throughout his career on both the national and club level of the game, Schmeichel has shown his skill with numerous world-class performances. Now with United looking his way, some might consider him to be the best option considering the price they could get him at. The 33-year-old grew up a Manchester United supporter as he watched his dad play for the club for eight years. Though he might be coming to the end of his career, the two or three-season he would spend at Old Trafford could be precisely what Dean Henderson needs to develop his game further. Many price him at around 10 million dollars, which is reasonably cheap for a goalie of his standards.
3) Jan Oblak, Atlético Madrid
picture via si.com
The last and least likely option on this list is Atlético Madrid’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The main reason that the Slovenian will probably not ever be seen in a United jersey is because of the current interest in him from other clubs as well as the price tag on his head. With London side Chelsea also in desperate need of a new goalkeeper, it would appear that they would beat United to him. Adding on top of that, his almost 90 million dollar value. Manchester United are in no position to splash that kind of cash as they prepare to spend nearly 120 million dollars over the next few seasons on Jadon Sancho. Should Chelsea target another keeper and United play their cards right, we might be able to see a transfer like this happen. However, for now, arguably, the world’s best keeper will have to be just a dream for United supporters.
De Gea has had a rough couple seasons, and with many calling for his exit, it would appear that it’s looking more and more likely. However, the scrutiny that the Spaniard has fallen under does not bag on what he has done for the club post-Sir, Alex Ferguson. Many would say United wouldn’t have a single top-five finish in the last seven years without some of the performances by De Gea. Nevertheless, Manchester United must resolve their goalkeeper dilemma if they are to challenge trophies in future campaigns. Thanks for reading.
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