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While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has continued to put his faith in David de Gea by saying he would start against Huddersfield, that could be partly due to deputy Sergio Romero's knee injury. Solskjaer ought to start thinking whether the time is ripe for Manchester United to part ways with the Spaniard, considering his loss of form and refusal to sign a new contract. His refusal could lead to United losing him for free at the end of the next season.
On one hand, we could argue de Gea deserves the backing he has garnered considering the fact that he has singlehandedly won plenty of matches on his own in spite of United's poor defensive style for the past few years.
The goalkeeper has won four out of the last five Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award which goes to show how crucial he has been for the club. If not for him, United would have potentially last played in the Champions League during David Moyes's ill-fated season.
Below listed are four reasons why it might best for the club and player to mutually part ways at the end of this season.
#1 Loss of Concentration and Errors creeping into his game
This season, de Gea's dip in form is appalling. As one of the highest paid keepers, the rate at which his form has dipped has been alarming. Instead, there could be a greater underlying issue behind his loss of form which had happened during his first year playing in England.
His distribution has also come under scrutiny this season and he has already made 4 errors leading to goal in the Premier League. While he has never been great with his feet, his shot stopping abilities and cat-like reflexes had masked his distribution deficiencies over the years. Now, nothing seems to be going right for the keeper.
On too many occasions this season, his poor distribution has directly led to opposition goals which is strictly not acceptable, considering United's porous defense.
It's not just his loss of form but his apparent disintrest and loss of concentration which suggests it is time to move on.
#2 Contract Issues
De Ge also seems to distracted due to the ongoing contract talks with United. He is said to be demanding a salary close to that of much-maligned Alexis Sanchez, something which the Red Devils are clearly unwilling to do.
Reports suggest United have issued a take it or leave it offer to de Gea but he is demanding around $450,000 per week. Only Paris-Saint Germain are said to be willing to pay him such a high wage.
It is justifiable for de Gea to ask for a higher salary given his importance to United. As compared to Sanchez, the 28-year-old deserves better. However, the club are rightly reluctant to spend so heavily on a goalkeeper, especially considering his form this season.
With no agreement in sight, it would be best for United to sell him this summer when they can get a sizeable fee rather than risk losing for him free.
#3 Rise of Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson
Part of the reason why United might be reluctant to adhere to de Gea's wage demands might be because they have other excellent keepers too. Sergio Romero, who has been a steady pair of hands when called upon, deserves the chance to be selected.
He has 27 clean sheets in 44 appearances in his United career so far which is one of the best starts to clean sheets ratio in the top flight.
While he may never pull off camera worthy saves like his colleague, he rarely commits an error too and has a safe pair of hands to be relied upon.
Additionally, a major reason why the time might be right for United and the Spaniard to part ways is due to the meteoric rise of Dean Henderson. Henderson has been immensly successful in Sheffield United's promotion this season.
This season, he has a league high 20 clean sheets. With his contract expiring next year, he is said to be looking for assurances that he will make the grade at United before commiting himself to the club.
The best option for the Red Devils would be to allow him to get a taste of the top flight next season with Sheffield United and then give him the chance he deserves to stake his claim to the number 1 spot in 2020.
#4 Extra funds for reshaping the squad
United require sizeable investment in all areas except goalkeeping. Therefore, selling him when he would still command a sizeable fee could free up a substantial amount of wages which could be reinvested in other areas of the pitch, most notably in defense.
Real Madrid are said to be interested in de Gea, with Zidane reportedly not convinced by Courtois and PSG are also said to be looking at him to replace Buffon, so the 28-year-old should not be short of suitors.
De Gea will still command a huge fee despite his poor season, given all his records over the last few years for both the club and Spain. United can then use the fee to strengthen their fragile defence and beef up their midfield. Thus, considering the reasons, Solskjaer should sell him this summer.
Conclusion
David de Gea has been a loyal servant to United. The club could not afford to lose the Spaniard in the previous years but following a combination of factors such as his loss in form, his contract situation and the rise of Dean Henderson, it has made the prospect of him leaving seem not so gloomy for the first time.
De Gea could get the chance to move back to his country and compete for top honors which he deserves, but United cannot realistically offer for the foreseeable future.
Selling him would bring United the extra funds necessary to reshape the squad. It has been a long time coming, so this would be the right time for both of the parties to part ways.
