Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has explained that David de Gea needs to do more to justify they high wages he is earning after signing a new bumper deal with the club.
De Gea’s performances in the last few years have helped Manchester United, but he has made more errors of late which have put him on several pundits’ radar, including Keane.
The 28-year-old keeper signed a new four-year deal with the club last week, keeping him at Old Trafford till 2023. His previous deal was set to expire next summer.
Keane said on Sky Sports: “I’m not so sure [if de Gea is worth the wages]. Goalkeepers can make mistakes but I’ve always worried about him.
“Every time I’ve watched him it’s the character side of the game. He never seems to be commanding. I never get the impression he’s the type of character that puts demands on people around him.
“The big test for goalkeepers, especially at Manchester United is how you react after a mistake, and he’s making far too many mistakes.
“I’ve just never been convinced on the character side of him. Technically, is he a good goalkeeper? Of course, he is. There’s no getting away from that but I think it’s more about the package. I’ve always had questions marks over him.”
Why Roy Keane is too harsh with his comments regarding De Gea
De Gea has been a part of Manchester United since 2011, signing for the club from Atletico Madrid for £18.9 million. He had a shaky start to his Manchester United career, but improved his keeping and went on to become one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, which attracted the interest of Real Madrid.
He was close to joining them in 2015 but the deal fell through after paperwork was not submitted. The Manchester United keeper has gone on to make over 280 appearances for the club and is one of the most important players for the side, despite his form dipping over the last two seasons.
The Spanish ‘keeper deserved the bumper contract on his past performances for the club. Manchester United need to strengthen in several areas of the pitch and letting de Gea leave could mean they would have had to spend upwards of £70 million for a world-class keeper.
United’s new-look team which is set to consist of several young players, needs an experienced hand at the back like de Gea.
The Spaniard is just 28 years of age which means that he is truly hitting his prime now, and with a stronger centre back pairing of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, de Gea could have more help in front of him.
Simply put, de Gea still has a lot to offer and his experience and talent could be the bedrock of a potentially strong United team in the future. As for his ability to command the box, Manchester United have bigger issues to worry about, so best not attack the only player who has been consistent in the last five years.