Manchester United are closing in on a new contract for star goalkeeper David de Gea…
Louis van Gaal has endured a mixed start to life as Manchester United manager, but his first masterstroke as Old Trafford boss could arrive in the coming days, if he successfully ties down goalkeeper David de Gea to a new contract.
SEE MORE:
FA Cup Fifth Round TV Schedule Confirmed: Arsenal And Liverpool On BT Sport, Man United On BBC1
Man United Star Juan Mata Up For Champions League Fight
Manchester United transfer news
Reports in the Daily Mirror are suggesting that a new five-year deal is close to completion, despite ongoing interest from Real Madrid. The news will come as a huge boost to Van Gaal as he attempts to mastermind United’s top four push.
De Gea has proved himself one of the most valuable players in United’s squad this season. Humiliating results against the likes of Cambridge United and MK Dons have proved how much work Van Gaal still has to do, with the Spanish stopper vital to his revolution.
Perhaps, you’d go as far as to call De Gea the club’s most important player? We rank the top five below, so click through and see where he ranks:
5) Robin van Persie
The former Arsenal man has been somewhat out of touch this season. There is even an argument to say that the Dutchman has not played consistently well since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club’s managerial role 18 months ago. He has managed just 26 goals in all competitions since Ferguson departed, compared to 30 in one season under the Scotsman. If United are to secure a top four finish this season and stand a chance of winning the FA Cup, the 31-year-old must improve and start showing the form he did for Van Gaal on the international stage.
4) Michael Carrick
The experienced midfielder has proved this season that he still has plenty to offer in terms of his work-rate and excellent footballing brain. Carrick’s versatility has also come into play under Van Gaal – with the Dutchman often deploying Carrick as a centre-back. Van Gaal always knows what he’s going to get from Carrick – which is a solid performance – regardless of position, situation or opponent. His wealth of experience has helped guide the younger players around him and help sure up United’s previously shaky back-line.
3) Angel di Maria
United’s record signing has only shown flashes of his brilliance so far, with his cause not helped by a spell out through injury. The Argentine has scored three times in his first 14 league games for the club, but has struggled somewhat since his return from injury. If he is to live up to the number seven shirt on his back, as well as the near £60m transfer fee, he will need to improve. Of course, he proved while at Real Madrid that he has all the attributes to do so, but time is running out for him to play a major part in this season.
2) Wayne Rooney
United’s captain is still the man his teammates look to in times of need. He has the ability to drive the team forward, whether as a deep-lying midfielder, a striker, or anything in between. However, the England skipper has scored eight goals in 17 games this season, still some way short of the 19 he managed in all competitions last season. If Rooney is to go down as United legend, he must help guide Van Gaal’s side towards their inevitable revival and be at the forefront of the first great post-Ferguson side.
1) David de Gea
How many times as the Spaniard got United out of trouble this season? You could compile an entire highlight reel made up of brilliant saves that he has made this season alone. Still only 24, his potential as a goalkeeper is huge – with many stoppers not reaching their peak until their late 20s or early 30s. De Gea’s growing reputation has also seen his presence in the Spanish national team grow, with several first-team appearances. He’s perhaps only a couple of years away from being ranked among the very best in the world, if he isn’t there already.