Speaking about having a modern goalkeeper, Erik ten Hag said: “It’s not what I want, it’s more what top football demands nowadays.
“If you observe the biggest teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back, and use your keeper as a plus one in your back, otherwise it’s very simple for opponents to put you under pressure.”
“He [De Gea] had to step up. In a number of games, he showed progression.”
On whether De Gea will stay, Ten Hag remarked: “Yes, but I will not say he’ll always be my No 1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions.”
“You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions.”
“Yes, but I will not say he’ll always be my No 1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions.”
De Gea won the Premier League's Golden Glove for the most clean sheets last season. However, there are massive doubts about his suitability for Ten Hag’s football and the style of play the Dutchman wants to implement.
De Gea, though, is closing in on a new deal to extend his Old Trafford stay, albeit reportedly on significantly reduced terms. Jordan Pickford and David Raya have been linked with United.
