David De Gea future latest: Erik ten Hag leaves free-transfer from Man Utd wide open as boss plays dangerous game with Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot

Erik ten Hag insists no decision has been made on the future of David De Gea, with the Manchester United manager refusing to confirm or deny whether the goalkeeper will be allowed to depart Old Trafford as a free agent.

The Spaniard has been with United since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and is now in his 12th season at Old Trafford. The British record £18.9m fee paid for a goalkeeper at the time has proved excellent business.

And Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle saw De Gea clock up a landmark 500th appearance for the Red Devils.

However, the 31-year-old’s deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season. United do hold an option to extend that stay by 12 months. But as the club’s second highest earner on a reported £350,000 a week, reports are growing that United could let him depart.

To that end, Juventus are being strongly linked with his signature.

To further claims he may depart, there are also theories that his playing style does not suit Ten Hag. The United boss prefers a quick-passing style that can bypass the high-press many sides like to operate these days. As such, a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet is an absolute necessity.

To that end, United are reportedly chasing a top-end Premier League goalkeeper, seen as perfect for their style.

United are also reportedly casting their eyes towards a Porto keeper some say is on a par with Alisson Becker at Liverpool.

Ten Hag, though, insists he is happy with De Gea’s performances. However, the United boss is refusing to say if he will be handed a new deal, leaving open the possibility of a free-transfer switch away from Old Trafford.

Ten Hag non-committal on De Gea, Rashford and Dalot

Responding directly to a question over whether De Gea was in line for a new deal, Ten Hag offered an evasive response.

“We didn’t make a decision on him. But what I can say is I’m really happy with David De Gea as a keeper,” Ten Hag said.

“The first two games of the season were not his best performances but after it, you see he brings us a lot for the defence, the defensive department. He gives stability and, as a person also, I like him.

“I can cooperate really well with him. But first we go to the winter and then we will talk about how we deal with situations.”

It’s a similar situation with Marcus Rashford and Diogo Dalot, who are both out of contract come July 1.

And while reports suggest Ten Hag wants to hand Rashford a new deal, Wednesday’s Transfer Gossip claims he is one of two stars facing an uncertain future.

Asked about the duo, Ten Hag was equally unwilling to offer an update on their situations.

“In this moment, we only think about performing. We have a lot of games to go so I don’t want to get interfered by talks. We have to focus on football, on performances and not negotiating, so that’s what we’ll do now.”

United playing a dangerous game

If United want to keep the trio, they will ideally need new deals sorted before the January window opens.

Right now, however, the club – like everyone else – is right in the middle of an especially busy period. Indeed, many sides, including United are currently playing twice, sometimes three times, a week.

Once the season breaks for the World Cup, that’s when United will look to wrap up their outstanding contract issues.

In De Gea’s case, it would be no surprise to see him leave. That is an outcome Gary Neville has alluded to on several occasions.

However, for Rashford and Dalot, the two men are seemingly seen as well worthy of keeping. Rashford, for one, has looked much more like his old self this season and would have no shortage of takers. To that end, United will surely take up the one-year option on his deal at the absolute least.

Dalot, meanwhile, may ultimately be replaced as United’s long-term right-back. That said, the Portuguese star has grown in recent seasons and has let nobody down with his performances so far. As such, he is a useful player to have around the squad.

However, letting their deals get so close to their expiries leaves United playing a dangerous game and exposed to their departures. The club, though, will likely already know which of the trio they want to keep and who may be allowed to leave.

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