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Benni McCarthy: It would be a ‘crime’ for Man Utd to lose ‘unbelievable’ David de Gea

Manchester United’s first-team coach Benni McCarthy has said that it would be a crime for the club to lose David de Gea on a free transfer this summer.

The Spaniard recently completed his 12th season with the club. He kept an impressive 25 clean sheets from 58 games – 17 of those came in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old was the undisputed winner of the Golden Glove, but he continues to be criticised by some fans, having committed errors leading to goals.

De Gea has also been unconvincing in passing out from the back. When put under pressure, he has gifted possession to the opposition with inaccurate long balls.

When asked about De Gea’s future, McCarthy said that mistakes are part and parcel of the game, and the Spaniard is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The former South African striker added that De Gea is an ‘unbelievable’ player, and it would be a ‘crime’ for United to lose his services on a free transfer this summer.

He told 947 Joburg: “He kept 17 clean sheets in the league. Yes, of course, you’re going to concede but to win the Golden Glove for yet another season is remarkable.”

“You see how difficult the league is so I understand that, yes, everyone has a bad game here and there, but it doesn’t stop him from being one of the best goalkeepers I’ve seen and I’ve worked with. He is unbelievable.

“When you spend every single day with a certain player, I get to see first hand more than what most people get to do. You only see him on a Saturday or on a matchday, and if you see a player make a mistake, [fans] yelling at him, the critics hit the roof.

“But I get to spend every single day with him and he is an unbelievable guy, a great lad, very intelligent and one of the best goalkeepers I have seen.

‘It would be a crime if Man United lose a goalkeeper like David de Gea.”

De Gea expected to prolong Man Utd stay

De Gea’s current deal with the Red Devils expires at the end of the month, and talks are at an advanced stage over a new long-term contract with a pay-cut.

Hence, it is unlikely that the Spaniard will end his long-term association with the club, but Ten Hag may still consider a move for a marquee goalkeeper this summer.

The Dutchman recently said that he can’t guarantee De Gea’s starting position next term. This could be a hint that he is open to pursuing a new number one.

Porto’s Diogo Costa is the prime target for the Red Devils, but he won’t come on the cheap. Porto are reluctant to sell for less than his €75 million release clause.

The Portuguese would be an upgrade on De Gea in goal, but an approach for his services this summer could largely depend on funds recouped from player sales.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com