'We want him to stay': Erik ten Hag confirms Man Utd's plan for 'magnificent' star
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that the club want David de Gea to put pen-to-paper on a new contract despite his howler against West Ham United on Sunday.
The Red Devils started off brilliantly at the London Stadium yesterday. Antony and Bruno Fernandes came close to finding the back of the net in the early phase of the opening half.
However, it was eventually the Hammers that opened the scoring. A blunder from De Gea in the 27th minute allowed Said Benrahma to secure a 1-0 lead for David Moyes’ side.
From that moment onwards, the Hammers looked the better outfit in the final third. United tried to find the equaliser with a late push but the hosts held on for a deserved victory.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag admitted that De Gea made a mistake for the goal but also said that United would not be in the current position in the league without his clean sheets.
The Dutch tactician added that the ‘magnificent‘ star continues to have his faith and the club want to extend his stay.
He told The Athletic: “We want him to stay and we want him to extend his contract. He has the most clean sheets in the Premier League, so we would not be in this position without him.”
“So he has fully my belief, no concerns, that happens but as a team you have to deal with it, you have to show character, be resilient and bounce back and this team will do.”
De Gea’s error paved the way for a second straight defeat for the Red Devils. They have now picked up only four points from their last four matches in the English top-flight.
United continue to remain one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand but need to return to winning ways to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
As things stand, the club need a maximum of three wins to beat Liverpool to the fourth spot.
However, they still face the threat from Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls could finish with a maximum of 73 points if they win their final six games of the campaign.
It is highly unlikely with fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City (two away from home) but crazier things have happened in football.
United, who are on 63 points, will have to win their remaining four games to seal a top-four spot if Brighton end the campaign on a stunning winning run.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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