Manchester United player David De Gea ‘unhappy’ as fresh details emerge ahead of Erik ten Hag era
According to reports, Manchester United star David De Gea is disappointed with goalkeeper training at Old Trafford.
After a successful season in 2021/2022, the Spain international is widely expected to be Erik ten Hag’s No. 1 next season. H
owever, despite his outstanding performances, all is not well behind the scenes.
A year ago, it appeared that De Gea would struggle to retain his No. 1 shirt at Manchester United after sliding behind Dean Henderson in the pecking order.
However, although a coronavirus delayed Henderson’s season debut, the Spain international was able to solidify his position between the posts.
De Gea was just named Manchester United’s player of the season after playing brightly under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
However, The Athletic reports that the 31-year-old isn’t fully content behind the scenes.
Some of the goalie training has allegedly discouraged De Gea in the past.
De Gea is also thought to be upset over losing his place in Spain’s national squad, having last played for his country in 2020.
Despite his excellent form, Luis Enrique has frequently neglected the United star, remarking recently: “I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them.
“Honestly. I wouldn’t have an issue with any of the three of them starting.
“Unai [Simon] has accumulated some interesting experience.
“A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.
“I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football.
“What they generate I like a lot.”
De Gea will now be required to adapt to Ten Hag’s possession-based style of play.
Coaches from Spain’s youth ranks have reportedly observed a “lack of improvement in technical areas,” which may have been remedied with greater training.
Those close to De Gea believe he will be ‘receptive’ to learning Ten Hag’s method.
He’s also been regarded as a “real team player” as he wants to keep the No. 1 jersey for many years to come.
De Gea also took on greater leadership responsibilities last season, after a string of embarrassing defeats.
After United’s season ended in a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in May, the veteran urged wantaway players to ‘just go.’
“It’s the same feeling,” he said after the defeat at Selhurst Park.
“The level we have shown in the last three or four months isn’t enough to win a Premier League match, we were sloppy, we lost some easy balls around our box, it’s impossible to win the games.
“I just want to be positive, to forget about this season.
“The new manager [Erik ten Hag] was in the stands, so that’s a good signal. I hope things will get better for next season – that’s the past already. We all know it’s been a bad season, for everyone.
“The people who don’t want to stay, just go, and the people who really want to stay at the club, who want to fight for the club, let’s have a good rest in the summer, prepare ourselves in the mind and in the body and be ready to fight again next season.”
De Gea’s future at United is uncertain.
However, if he can successfully adapt to life under Ten Hag, the 31-year-old is unlikely to go anywhere.
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Manchester United player David De Gea ‘unhappy’ as fresh details emerge ahead of Erik ten Hag era
