Manchester United have bigger issues than David de Gea which they need to tackle first this summer.
That’s the verdict from talkSPORT host and Red Devils fan Mark Goldbridge, who insisted Erik ten Hag should prioritize a new striker instead.
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It’s been a strange year for De Gea, who could be forced out of Old Trafford and has come under heavy criticism from his own fans.
And that’s despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove for cleanest sheets with 17 – just one of his best tallies for the Red Devils.
But as his contract enters its final month, the club have yet to trigger an option to extend it for another year as they seek to negotiate a £325,000-a-week wage cut.
Ten Hag’s preference to play from the back puts De Gea at a disadvantage as he can struggle with the ball at his feet.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Goldbridge admitted the Spaniard might have to be confused eventually.
But he believes the growing problems at Old Trafford must be addressed first, including the centre-forward’s problems.
He said on his talkSPORT show: “I am considered a big fan of David de Gea, which I am. I love David de Gea, I think he’s a club legend.
“He won the Golden Glove, he’s a fantastic stopper.
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“However, I agree that he is not a distribution goalkeeper who can play from the back.
“And if Ten Hag decides he wants to do something about it, he’ll have to spend £50/60m.
“Now for me if I give you £250m again to spend this summer are you going to have two strikers, a midfielder and maybe a centre-back and a young goalkeeper to work alongside by De Gea.
“Or do you sacrifice the arrival of a striker and the arrival of a brand new goalkeeper.
“Because I think next season we can manage with De Gea but we desperately need to score more goals.”
With Wout Weghorst set to return to Burnley and Anthony Martial linked with a departure, a new striker is the top priority at United.
Tottenham star Harry Kane has been linked while Goncalo Ramos, Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani have also been looked into.
De Gea was criticized for his performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
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Ilkay Gundogan scored two volleys but critics believe the United keeper should have made a better effort to save both goals.
Even Ten Hag took aim after admitting they conceded two ‘easy’ goals.
“We are broken, disappointed of course, but I said I’m proud of my team,” said the Dutchman.
“We did very well, we conceded two goals smoothly but we were in the game. There was a great spirit and a very good organization.
“They were tough goals, they were so soft and avoidable.
“When you play against City and you concede almost nothing in open play, that’s a big credit for the team, but if you concede goals like this, it’s disappointing.
“This team has shown resilience, character and personality. We know we have a long way to go, but this will make us better.
“It was a test for us, we didn’t pass but we can take a lot of positives for next season.”