Ten Hag tipped to axe senior Man Utd man who’s worse than ‘lower league’ players and recall ‘fabulous’ forgotten star

Erik ten Hag has been urged to axe a senior star who can’t hold a candle to “lower league” players at one aspect of the game, with an overlooked yet “fabulous” Man Utd star backed to get the nod next season.

Once Ten Hag took the reins at Old Trafford, questions were raised as to the suitability of one of Man Utd’s most important players for their new manager. David de Gea is a four-time Man Utd Players’ Player of the Year. He’s also a five-time selection in the PFA Team of the Season, though whether he’s what Ten Hag seeks in a goalkeeper is another matter entirely.

Indeed, the Dutch boss favours a possession-based game that requires his goalkeeper to be comfortable on the ball and adopt a high starting position. De Gea is imperious with the gloves, though less so with his feet.

His limitations were brutally exposed in the Europa League last Thursday. De Gea played Harry Maguire into trouble with an ill-advised pass for Sevilla’s first goal, while his failure to trap a high ball under his foot helped Youssef En-Nesyri put the tie to bed for the third.

De Gea is out of contract at Man Utd this summer. His current deal does contain an option for an extra 12 months, though United opted against activating it in favour of forging a new deal.

ESPN recently reported many elements of a new De Gea deal are ‘finalised’. However, according to talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino, United are making a big mistake that Ten Hag too might soon regret.

De Gea technical ability savaged

Cascarino savaged De Gea’s ability with the ball at feet, claiming he’s seen lower league players more comfortable on the ball.

The pundit also called on Ten Hag to give the “fabulous” Dean Henderson a chance next season. Henderson is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, though they’re unlikely to be able to sign him outright if relegated to the Championship.

When asked about Ten Hag’s plans moving forward, Cascarino told talkSPORT: “I’m not even sure De Gea survives, because Ten Hag is going to want a footballing goalkeeper.

“Ten Hag comes from the Ajax academy of football, and his players must be technically very good to play in a certain way.

“Look at all the leading clubs in the country, look at Pep Guardiola’s decision at Man City to get rid of Joe Hart because he wanted Ederson who could play much more with his feet. Arsenal made the same decision with Aaron Ramsdale, Liverpool with Alisson.

“Goalkeepers have been changed at a lot of the clubs that are doing really well. I’ve got stick for saying this in the past, but if Tottenham want to play in a different way they’ve got to have a much better footballing goalkeeper than Hugo Lloris.

“I think that’s where Man Utd are with David de Gea. You’ve got to be able to play with your feet. I watch lower league football and I’ve seen goalkeepers who are way superior to De Gea with their feet. I’m telling you, I’ve seen a good few of them and they are better.”

Henderson the answer for Man Utd?

Cascarino continued: “I watched Dean Henderson a lot at Sheffield United (while on loan – 2019/20 season) and he was fabulous. He then came back to Man Utd, it didn’t go particularly well for him and then he got an injury.

“I still think there’s time for Henderson to make the most of an opportunity that can be there, but again that’s up to Ten Hag and what he thinks. Certainly as a goalkeeper I’d say he is very, very capable.

“Remember, De Gea is not No 1 for Spain. We’re not talking about an elite goalkeeper, here. He hasn’t even played for Spain since October 2020. Three years down the line he’s still Man Utd’s first choice.

“He’s had good seasons, for sure, but with his feet I’m just not convinced and I believe Ten Hag will implement a goalkeeper who is far more capable with his feet this summer.”

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