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Goalkeeping issues still haunting United despite De Gea form

Manchester United are close to going through another season of failing to win a title or trophy, especially after having a blockbuster of a summer transfer window, with the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane bringing excitement and expectations to Old Trafford.

Entering the final few months of the season, the club need a major overhaul to the squad to get them challenging on all fronts once again. For sure, the areas that need strengthening is the number six position, the centre forward department and the right back spot, though, there is not enough being mentioned about the goalkeeping issues and how it could affect the team in the long run.

David de Gea is having a good campaign, completing more saves (94) than any other keeper in the league, which represents a positive to the individual and his personal output, but it is a statistic that does not look good towards the team. United have shown the signs of a dysfunctional side during the first half of the season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, where the team looked exposed on nearly every counterattack and were conceding constant chances due to the lack of defensive organisation.

Looking at the player profile of the Spanish international, he continues to remain as one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe, however, his weaknesses weigh much more than his sole strength, as he lacks the ability to claim crosses and set-pieces, does not have the intelligence to play the sweeper keeper role, and does not show evidence of someone who can comfortably play out from the back.

Many are under the impression that the goalkeeper is doing his job by preventing the opposition from scoring goals, but they are failing to understand that the modern style of football has completely changed to what it used to be ten years ago. Full-backs in the top teams are required to attack more than they defend, goalkeepers at the highest level of football are expected to be influential outside the penalty area and forwards are asked to drop deep to progress possession.

The best example of the modern-day goalkeepers are Alisson, Ederson and Manuel Neuer, three individuals who play for the top clubs in Europe, who allow their respective teams to play higher up the pitch with their technical qualities and their ability to be regarded as an outfield player. Without their presence to control the area and the space behind the backline, the sides would not be able to consistently dominate the ball, nullify the opponent’s threat or be effective on the counterattack.

Meanwhile, at United, the closest player that is similar to these players is Dean Henderson, someone who does not have any superior strengths but has the attitude and confidence to carry out the tasks of a modern-day goalkeeper, that are required to help the team in and outside the penalty area. However, there are no guarantees whether he can reliably play at the top level of European football or not, as he has not had a full season of regular game time with the Red Devils to prove himself.

With De Gea earning £375,000 a week for the last five years, making him the highest paid player at United before Cristiano Ronaldo’s return, as well as being the highest paid goalkeeper in the world, it may be difficult for the board to have an expensive individual sat on the bench or to attract any potential buyers due to his high wages and the club wanting a reasonable fee for his departure.

On top of that, the number of quality keepers available within Europe is quite limited, making it absolutely exhausting on who the club could find as an instant replacement. However, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Wolves’ Jose Sa, should be considered as two reputable options to look into.

Overall, it may be seen as a harsh statement to see De Gea as one of the many problems that Manchester United have had over the last couple of years, given his pure loyalty to the club and the number of phenomenal saves he has made at Old Trafford. On the other hand, the Red Devils will not be able to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League whilst having himself or Henderson as the side’s number one keeper, regardless of who is the club’s next long-term manager.

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