Erik ten Hag has backed David de Gea and insists he wants the goalkeeper to sign a new contract, despite the Spaniard’s blunder during Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat at West Ham.
De Gea made a horrific mistake to allow Said Benrahma’s tame effort to squirm in at the London Stadium, an error which condemned the Red Devils to a second straight Premier League defeat.
The loss at West Ham means Ten Hag’s side are now just one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, with a game in hand, as the clubs battle to secure a top four finish Champions League qualification.
De Gea’s mistake has again placed his future into question as the 32-year-old approaches the end of his contract at Old Trafford. The goalkeeper will become a free agent this summer and talks over a potential extension have so far failed to find an agreement.
Ten Hag in post match presser. Q’s over ability on ball and a lot of costly mistakes
Ten Hag on De Gea: “We want him to stay + we want him to extend his contract.” #MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) May 7, 2023
Ten Hag, however, has backed De Gea and told his post-match interview that he wants the goalkeeper to sign a new deal.
Speaking to BT Sport at full-time, Ten Hag said of De Gea’s mistake: “Yes (it was a terrible mistake), but mistakes are part of football. You have to deal with it and you have to bounce back, because it’s a team sport. Over the season he’s the one with the most clean sheets. It can happen, it’s part of football.”
