Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on goalkeeper David de Gea ahead of their Europa League quarter-final second-leg clash with Sevilla.
Manchester United played out a 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford in the first-leg, which means the tie remains in the balance. The Red Devils took a two-goal inside the first 21 minutes in the first leg but Sevilla scored two late goals to claw their way back into the tie.
David de Gea remains Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper and has largely been impressive for the Red Devils in the 22/23 campaign. However, there have been concerns about De Gea’s ability with the ball at his feet.
There has also been suggestions that Manchester United should look to sign a new goalkeeper who is more suited to Erik Ten Hag’s style of play. Despite that, Ten Hag has lavished praise on De Gea, who he described as a ‘multifunctional’ and ‘complete’ goalkeeper.
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Erik ten Hag: David de Gea is a multifunctional and complete goalkeeper
“Stopping goals, that is the main job for a goalkeeper and you can do it in many more ways, everyone has his own particular style,” Erik ten Hag said [via Manchester Evening News].
“Now in possession has become more and more important, especially at the top level, because you can take control, make it more difficult for an opponent to make pressure, so you concede less chances.
“But at the end of the day, it’s about stopping goals. Stopping shots, stopping crosses, stopping one-on-ones. That is more the classic goalkeeper.
“I think David is really multifunctional, a really complete goalkeeper, so we are really happy with that.”
Meanwhile, David de Gea’s current contract with Manchester United expires in June this year. The Red Devils have the option to extend his contract by another 12 months, but they have triggered that option yet.
Manchester United are aiming to agree on a new deal with David de Gea, which would see the Spaniard accept lower terms. Although an agreement has not been reached just yet, De Gea is expected to stay at the Old Trafford outfit beyond this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will be aiming to get the better of Sevilla and seal their place in the semi-final of the Europa League. The match against Sevilla will kick off at 12:30 am Indian Standard Time on April 21.
