Manchester United Should Not Be Looking for David De Gea Replacements

One of the biggest rumours surrounding Manchester United has relation with the future of David De Gea. The Spaniard, 29, recently signed a four-year deal contract at the club. He is expected to play his prime years at Old Trafford. However, several reports have indicated the club could be looking for replacements for the former Atletico Madrid star.

Manchester United will have Dean Henderson back from his loan spell at Sheffield United once the season resumes. That said, he is not likely to takeover as De Gea’s replacement any time soon. Instead, he might go out on loan again for the 2020-21 campaign. Sergio Romero is a competent back-up, but he shouldn’t be starting on a regular basis for a team with title aspirations. Thus, United would have to go out on the market and buy a goalkeeper if they want to replace De Gea.

That is a terrible, terrible idea. Even though players’ transfer fees will reduce greatly due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Manchester United could use that money elsewhere. For instance, they could sign a natural right winger. They could try and add a world-class central midfielder, especially if Paul Pogba leaves the club. Another centre-back to put pressure on Victor Lindelof might be a good idea as well.

Which goalkeepers could act as De Gea’s replacements?

As for goalkeepers? There are not many better goalkeepers than De Gea right now. Names such as Andre Onana and Kepa might be decent alternatives. However, there is not a clear argument to say either would be a better alternative than the Spaniard moving forward. In fact, The Red Devils made a £35million bid for the Cameroonian keeper last summer but saw this rejected by the Amsterdam-based club. Chelsea, Barcelona and Tottenham are also keen in Onana. Needless to say, Manchester United are not likely to engage in a bidding war for him.

The Spain international put pen to paper on a new four-year contract with the Red Devils in September. The deal, worth around £375,000-a-week, shows a will from both parties to remain together. The commitment is clearly there, so it’s quite odd to see the club searching for a replacement. Especially if we consider the pros and cons of making such move with all the uncertainty surrounding the football world right now.