10
The last month has not gone according to plan for Manchester United as they exited the Europa League at the quarterfinal stage while they are also in danger of missing out on Champions League football for next season.
Back-to-back defeats in the Premier League means the Red Devils are only a point ahead of resurgent arch-rivals Liverpool in fifth.
While the forward and midfield have not performed according to expectations, goalkeeper David de Gea has really had a torrid time.
He was responsible for all the three goals the United conceded in Seville while his mistake against West Ham was his fourth error of the season, joint-most for goalkeepers.
DDG has had a howler of a season
While his passing, cross claiming and sweeping have often come under the scanner, not too many questions have been raised about his shot-stopping which remained on point.
But his errors are on the rise and these regular gaffes is a major cause of concern for manager Erik ten Hag who has kept on backing the Spaniard publicly.
While a contract extension seems to have been agreed, The Peoples Person has already revealed that the manager has given no assurances to the Spanish international about remaining No 1 going forward.
The Manchester Evening News has now revealed that senior figures at the club are of the opinion that the 32-year-old needs to be phased out but budgetary constraints might mean not too much in terms of budget will be allotted for a new keeper.
United remain on the hunt for a new keeper but names linked with a move to Old Trafford like David Raya of Brentford and Porto’s Diogo Costa will not come cheap.
One name that is within reach is that of Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and his season statistics back up the idea that he would be an upgrade on De Gea.
The 20-year-old made 17 appearances in the Belgian league and conceded only 21 times while keeping eight clean sheets.
Bart Verbruggen is the perfect candidate considering United’s budget
“Manchester United are interested in Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen amid uncertainty over David de Gea‘s No.1 status beyond this season,” the MEN report claimed.
As per Fbref, the Dutch goalie excels in cross claiming, shot-stopping and also is very adept with his feet with him being in the top 93 percentile for touches, an upgrade compared to United’s No 1.
Verbruggen had moved to Belgium when he was 18 and was signed for Anderlecht by current Burnley boss Vincent Kompany. The Dutchman also received his maiden call-up to the Netherlands squad last month.
The Anderlecht stopper is valued at €5million according to Transfermarkt and it makes sense for United to bring in the talented Dutch keeper and he would be an excellent backup for De Gea and could realistically overthrow the Spaniard as well.
Follow The Peoples Person on Twitter or Instagram for all the latest news as it happens and to join in the conversation.