Manchester United Shocks David De Gea by Withdrawing Contract Offer After Agreement

In recent report from The Athletic, Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea’s contract negotiations have taken an unexpected turn, leading to uncertainty regarding his future at the club.

Allegedly, the club initially offered De Gea a new contract with a reduced salary, which he agreed to. However, Manchester United surprised him by withdrawing the offer and presenting a second contract with an even lower salary.

This surprising development has left the Spanish shot-stopper contemplating his options as he evaluates the club’s intentions.

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Manager Erik ten Hag’s Influence on the Contract Negotiations

According to report from Daily mail, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag played a pivotal role in the unexpected turn of events surrounding De Gea’s contract negotiations.

It is believed that ten Hag has reservations about continuing with De Gea as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Consequently, Manchester United reneged on the initial agreement and offered a new contract with further reduced wages. Despite De Gea’s willingness to accept a significant pay cut, the club’s decision has left him reconsidering his future at Old Trafford.

Inconsistent Form and need of Modern goalkeeper

The 2022-2023 season was a challenging one for David De Gea. Despite winning the Premier League’s Golden Glove for keeping the most clean sheets, he faced criticism for his inconsistent performances.

Although he managed 17 clean sheets in 38 league games, there were instances where costly mistakes were made, notably in the 2-2 draw against Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals and the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

One of the factors influencing Manchester United’s decision to reassess De Gea’s contract is reportedly Erik ten Hag’s preference for goalkeepers who are comfortable with the ball at their feet.

This trait aligns with ten Hag’s tactical approach, as he prioritizes building play from the back. As De Gea has shown limitations in this aspect, the club has been linked with other goalkeepers, including former Ajax keeper Andre Onana, who currently plays for Inter Milan.