Berbatov identifies ‘very good’ Serie A star who can replace Man Utd ‘true great’ next season

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov thinks AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan would be an excellent replacement for David de Gea.

The Spanish shot-stopper is currently negotiating a new contract with the Red Devils. However, after some recent mistakes, questions have been raised about his future at the club.

As a result, Man Utd are thought to be on the hunt for a new shot-stopper. Indeed, Erik ten Hag is believed to have several big names on his shortlist.

Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Brentford’s David Raya and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel have all been linked with Man Utd recently.

Interestingly, Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez has just been ‘put up for sale, and he is also on their radar.

However, Man Utd already have one potential option in their squad – Dean Henderson. He has been on loan at Nottingham Forest this season, after struggling to break into Ten Hag’s starting XI.

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Berbatov urges Man Utd to sign Maignan

Now, Berbatov thinks Henderson deserves a run in the team.

Speaking in a recent interview, as noted by Football365, he said: “I believe that Dean Henderson deserves a chance at Manchester United, as I don’t believe he’s been given a chance previously.

“He needs to be given a real chance to show what he can do. If Erik ten Hag gives him a chance to prove himself next season, then I believe that will be beneficial for both Dean and David de Gea, as David needs to be properly challenged.”

However, Berbatov thinks AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan also ‘deserves to be looked at.’

“If the club decides to go into the transfer market for a new goalkeeper this summer instead, then Mike Maignan of AC Milan is very good in my opinion and he deserves to be looked at by Manchester United,” he added

But, Maignan is on Tottenham’s radar, too, so Man Utd would face competition for his signature.

Berbatov heaps praise on ‘true great’ De Gea

Nevertheless, Berbatov still thinks De Gea is a ‘true great’ who has ‘done an awful lot for Man Utd’

“If somebody that’s better than David de Gea comes along, challenges him for his place and proves themselves to be better than David, then of course that somebody needs a chance to be the club’s number one,” Berbatov added.

“At the moment, I believe that De Gea should be Manchester United’s number one.

“David is making mistakes and he will make mistakes in the future, but you can’t forget the many times that he’s saved the club from defeat.

“He deserves more credit than he gets. He’s done an awful lot for Manchester United and he’s a true great.

“I saw that Erik ten Hag said that he counts on David to stay at the club and it’s obvious that David needs to work on his footwork, as well as his ability to play out from the back, and I’m sure that he’s aware of this.

“Those are the only things that I believe he needs to work on.”

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