Why is everyone so certain that DDG will be a starter under ETH?

[MadDogg]

I really never saw this, I just think his level regressed to the league average but as he was playing such a high level, the difference was shocking so we think he was rubbish. Plus the team was utterly pony most weeks, the man can only do so much.

I get he isn't prime Neuer but the disrespect on the guy is insane.

Nah, he was a huge issue for us during those three seasons.

18/19 his form was average most of the season, then his utter collapse in the last month or two of the season was probably the biggest reason we didn't overtake the stuttering Tottenham and Arsenal for the 4th CL position.
19/20 he was quite poor in the league and made huge mistakes for 3 of the 5 goals he conceded in the FA Cup and Europa League semi-finals that we proceeded to lose.
20/21 he was poor in the league again, and also made a huge mistake in the 3rd goal we conceded against Leipzig (the goal that ultimately knocked us out of the CL). His positioning was poor for the first goal in that game as well, but it wasn't as clear-cut a mistake as the others.

He was somewhat back to form last season, but the three seasons before that even his shot-stopping was below average. Considering every other aspect of his game is poor, he caused us so many problems those seasons.

 

[lex talionis]

Absurd thread. Dave will be our regular starting keeper this season, quite deservedly so.

 

[Walrus]

Henderson out on loan so DDG definitely will be first choice.

My opinion is that if you want to play good, modern football (controlling games, pressing, high defensive line etc) then you cant do so with a GK like DDG. As a team we looked better with Henderson in the nets. Every single game I watch with DDG, there always seems to be at least one point where there is a defensive scare because the CB is expecting him to come out, but De Gea is glued to his line. This is especially problematic for defenders like Maguire who lack pace; we simply cannot play a high line with Maguire and DDG. The uncertainty permeates throughout the entire team and it all stems from the back.

When Pep went to City, practically the first thing he did was replace a relatively solid GK in Hart. Klopp spent major money on Allisson. Chelsea spent big on Kepa and then were still willing to replace him a year later when he wasnt what was needed. Arsenal bought Ramsdale despite having Leno. Having the right type of keeper is important, and we seem to be the only club that doesnt recognise that.

Nothing against De Gea personally, he has been a great servant over the years etc, but if we want to move forward as a team I would be prioritising an upgrade on the GK position - and its a shame given that we have already had a good alternative waiting in the wings in Henderson.

 

[evil_geko]

Absurd thread. Dave will be our regular starting keeper this season, quite deservedly so.

This, funny how Caf really thought ETH would think De Gea would be a problem for his playstyle, just shows how much the Caf is out of touch with reality at times.

Dave is going nowhere as he shouldn't.

 

[Cassidy]

This, funny how Caf really thought ETH would think De Gea would be a problem for his playstyle, just shows how much the Caf is out of touch with reality at times.

Dave is going nowhere as he shouldn't.

Lets see if thats holds after next summer

 

[Who's Kissing Cameras?]

This, funny how Caf really thought ETH would think De Gea would be a problem for his playstyle, just shows how much the Caf is out of touch with reality at times.

Dave is going nowhere as he shouldn't.

Disagree. DDG will need to greatly improve his sweeping (non existent at the moment) and his short/long distribution otherwise ETH will get rid.

The difference between Onana (the ideal ETH keeper) for example and DDG is so huge.

 

[Revaulx]

This, funny how Caf really thought ETH would think De Gea would be a problem for his playstyle, just shows how much the Caf is out of touch with reality at times.

Dave is going nowhere as he shouldn't.

De Gea playing as he was told to by Jose won’t fit ETH’s play style.

What is funny is that people don’t realise that much of that will be easy to fix. Watch the training vids: De Gea is very much involved in some of the passing drills.

I do worry that people will turn against ETH when the players he improves aren’t the ones they want him to.

 

[DWelbz19]

Henderson out on loan so DDG definitely will be first choice.

My opinion is that if you want to play good, modern football (controlling games, pressing, high defensive line etc) then you cant do so with a GK like DDG. As a team we looked better with Henderson in the nets. Every single game I watch with DDG, there always seems to be at least one point where there is a defensive scare because the CB is expecting him to come out, but De Gea is glued to his line. This is especially problematic for defenders like Maguire who lack pace; we simply cannot play a high line with Maguire and DDG. The uncertainty permeates throughout the entire team and it all stems from the back.

When Pep went to City, practically the first thing he did was replace a relatively solid GK in Hart. Klopp spent major money on Allisson. Chelsea spent big on Kepa and then were still willing to replace him a year later when he wasnt what was needed. Arsenal bought Ramsdale despite having Leno. Having the right type of keeper is important, and we seem to be the only club that doesnt recognise that.

Nothing against De Gea personally, he has been a great servant over the years etc, but if we want to move forward as a team I would be prioritising an upgrade on the GK position - and its a shame given that we have already had a good alternative waiting in the wings in Henderson.

I think the smart thing to do would let him see out this season and just let him go on a free in the summer. Nobody is going to take him on his mammoth wages and he’s not good enough to try and keep either.

 

[nainaisson]

Ten Hag probably just wants to watch De Gea in training and pre-season first. If he can't adapt to the new system, there's plenty of time to find an alternative before Sep. 1.

 

[Longshanks]

De Gea playing as he was told to by Jose won’t fit ETH’s play style.

What is funny is that people don’t realise that much of that will be easy to fix. Watch the training vids: De Gea is very much involved in some of the passing drills.

I do worry that people will turn against ETH when the players he improves aren’t the ones they want him to.

If ETH makes David de gea competent at long and short distribution, command of his area, sweeping, organisation of his defence, and one on ones then it would be minor miracle, but I would be delighted because we wouldn't have the massively flawed keeper that we currently have.

Like I say though it would be a miracle, his biggest flaws can not just simply be coached out of him he isnt a youth GK, you may see a small improvement with short distribution and maybe even sweeping but it will only be that he is being told to do it more and show more willingness, ultimately he still won't be very good at it and it will be a very obvious flaw in the team. And that before we even get into his basic flaws that are part of GK 101.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

De Gea's distribution is not "shocking". I don't know when this myth originated but it's nonsense.

He was known for being good with the ball at his feet back in the day and is a relatively precise passer who is calm when in possession. He also finds a decent balance between when to kick long and when to pass short.

People conflate things. His general passiveness and unwillingness to come out of his area are confused with poor distribution. People also often fail to recognise that it's harder for DDG to pass it out than it is for other keepers because there are so few players moving around and finding space.

He doesn't have that greatest distribution in the world but it's not nearly the problem area some are making it out to be.

I completely agree. I'd say De Gea's distribution is just about average. My problem with him is his reluctance to come off his line, his inability to talk to and organize his defense, and his over reliability in his agility which often leads to poor positioning. We have all heard the saying "a great goal scorer vs a scorer of great goals". For me, De Gea is a keeper who makes great saves rather than a great keeper. It's almost like he's been our #1 based purely on his YouTube highlights rather than his overall game...

 

[NewYorkRed]

Was told by experts on here that he would be the first/one of the first to go if we got ETH. Shocker that he hasn’t even been linked with a move away. “Its because of his wages” “the board is overruling ETH” No its because Dave is really good and we have much bigger problems elsewhere in the squad you numpties.

 

[lex talionis]

Going off the some of the analysis of here, it’s apparently a miracle Dave can find his way to the stadium and lace his own boots.

 

[AFC NimbleThumb]

Was told by experts on here that he would be the first/one of the first to go if we got ETH. Shocker that he hasn’t even been linked with a move away. “Its because of his wages” “the board is overruling ETH” No its because Dave is really good and we have much bigger problems elsewhere in the squad you numpties.

I find this statement hard to believe. Lots of ‘told by X’ on here that make no sense. I’ve read people believe he’ll struggle but ‘one of the first to go’ & in this Summer, unlikely.

 

[Revaulx]

If ETH makes David de gea competent at long and short distribution, command of his area, sweeping, organisation of his defence, and one on ones then it would be minor miracle, but I would be delighted because we wouldn't have the massively flawed keeper that we currently have.

Like I say though it would be a miracle, his biggest flaws can not just simply be coached out of him he isnt a youth GK, you may see a small improvement with short distribution and maybe even sweeping but it will only be that he is being told to do it more and show more willingness, ultimately he still won't be very good at it and it will be a very obvious flaw in the team. And that before we even get into his basic flaws that are part of GK 101.

Well if you reckon he’s hopeless and pretty much beyond redemption that’s fair enough. I’m fairly certain that his distribution will improve once he’s been given clear instructions; I’d be amazed if the hopeful long punts upfield aren’t immediately stopped.

Whether this will have any effect in encouraging him to come off his line is certainly doubtful. I’m actually quite looking forward to finding out.

 

[RedPed]

Well at least we can put this nonsense to bed now. David De Goat firmly esconced as our #1 and rightly so and now prime candidate for the armband too now that Ronaldo wants out.

 

[MadDogg]

This, funny how Caf really thought ETH would think De Gea would be a problem for his playstyle, just shows how much the Caf is out of touch with reality at times.

Dave is going nowhere as he shouldn't.

There are so many things needed in this squad that there was always a fair chance that De Gea would be our #1 for the first season. The surprise will be if ETH is happy for him to remain as our #1 the following season.

 

[redcucumber]

I'd love to see the club monitoring the young Irish keeper Gavin Bazunu, who Southampton have just bought from Man City.

He's only turned 20 a few months ago, and he's gonna be a great one imo.

I'm sure I read on here that he's a United fan? Might have made that up, but it'd be great to get him in next summer as De Gea departs (assuming he lives up to his billing and shows what he can do).

 

[Yakuza_devils]

I like how DDG play under ETH. He was good with his feet, involved in playing from the back, great distribution and come out of the line quick doing the sweeper roles well.

Hope he can improve further under ETH coaching.

 

[Dan_F]

I like how DDG play under ETH. He was good with his feet, involved in playing from the back, great distribution and come out of the line quick doing the sweeper roles well.

Hope he can improve further under ETH coaching.

I would imagine that a lot of the work has been about getting the defence and midfield to create space. The amount of times over the last 5+ years that De Gea has had to clear the ball and stood there after with his arms open asking the defenders to move. Hopefully we won’t see much of that any more.

 

[Yakuza_devils]

I would imagine that a lot of the work has been about getting the defence and midfield to create space. The amount of times over the last 5+ years that De Gea has had to clear the ball and stood there after with his arms open asking the defenders to move. Hopefully we won’t see much of that any more.

I guess that makes a lot of posters thought DDG was really bad with his feet and can't come out of the line to be more involved in the play. I think he was asked to stay in the line because we used to defend very deep and play with counter attack.

 

[Sassy Colin]

Now, the man himself, isn't sure:

https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/...ncertainty-over-his-manchester-united-future/

 

[LawCharltonBest]

I don’t know if he’s done himself any favours this tour

It wouldn’t surprise me if Ten Hag looks to a new GK. De Gea is an obvious flaw and doesn’t suit what I believe Ten Hag wants

 

[We need an rvn]

I don’t know if he’s done himself any favours this tour

It wouldn’t surprise me if Ten Hag looks to a new GK. De Gea is an obvious flaw and doesn’t suit what I believe Ten Hag wants

The problem is we lost Henderson and no idea who our back-up goalie is anymore now that the leak has left, so basically we're stuck with him for a year. His contract runs out in June 2023 (option to extend for one year). Personally I'd let him leave on a free instead of signing him up again on a stupidly expensive contract and get a new keeper in, like you said

 

[Remember the geese]

He has looked reasonable on the ball during this tour, but ultimately he is what he is. Same old flaws will raise their ugly head throughout this season.

 

[Greck]

The problem is we lost Henderson and no idea who our back-up goalie is anymore now that the leak has left, so basically we're stuck with him for a year. His contract runs out in June 2023 (option to extend for one year). Personally I'd let him leave on a free instead of signing him up again on a stupidly expensive contract and get a new keeper in, like you said

Just move Henderson already. The club fannying about Henderson's status is why the GK issue will always be murky. It's a forced succession situation. DDG goes nowhere while his internal replacement remains so far below his ability.

 

[DJ_21]

This thread should be closed down now… the only real competition he had has just gone to forest… so unless your suggesting we play Heaton then we may aswell get use to it.

 

[Djemba-Djemba]

This thread should be closed down now… the only real competition he had has just gone to forest… so unless your suggesting we play Heaton then we may aswell get use to it.

Wouldn't be against it to be honest.

 

[Abraxas]

I've been reasonably impressed with his passing. I am guessing that's something he's really working on. Weak for that cross though.

 

[TheNewEra]

I think given DDGs wages he should be moved on in a season or two, can get a better overall squad and probably a better keeper for less money.

DDG was given that packet to keep him when united were desperate.

 

[mitchmouse]

there was a moment against villa (where some are praising Maguire for a block as if that isn't his job) where he comes out and basically kneels down. this is is stock move for coming off his line and so often fails. said it before: he is nowhere near brave enough in this situations. very good shotstopper when at his best but nowhere near a world-class all-round keeper

 

[Varane around town]

I wouldn't surprise me if we don't bring in another 'keeper and go through the season with Heaton as a number two.

If De Gea has a difficult season and struggles in the new system and struggles and Henderson has a really good season with Forest. Then I actually believe that Ten Hag has the minerals to make the call and bring back Henderson as our first choice 'keeper. Even though I am very very suspicious of Henderson's abilities.

 

[mitchmouse]

I wouldn't surprise me if we don't bring in another 'keeper and go through the season with Heaton as a number two.

If De Gea has a difficult season and struggles in the new system and struggles and Henderson has a really good season with Forest. Then I actually believe that Ten Hag has the minerals to make the call and bring back Henderson as our first choice 'keeper. Even though I am very very suspicious of Henderson's abilities.

I think the Hendo loan deal is for the entire season. My thought are more that if DDG isn't great this season, Henderson will be our No.1 next year

 

[wolvored]

The problem is we lost Henderson and no idea who our back-up goalie is anymore now that the leak has left, so basically we're stuck with him for a year. His contract runs out in June 2023 (option to extend for one year). Personally I'd let him leave on a free instead of signing him up again on a stupidly expensive contract and get a new keeper in, like you said

Yes agree with this as well. De Gea is coming out with he wants to retire here, but unless he is going to retire at the end of the season, he should be moved on. Imagine either liverpool or citys goalie here, we would be more confident in defence. This could improve our higher line as well.
If however DeGea is offered a new contract are we going to pay him an increase? This would take him around 400k a week, a ridiculous amount.

 

[We need an rvn]

Yes agree with this as well. De Gea is coming out with he wants to retire here, but unless he is going to retire at the end of the season, he should be moved on. Imagine either liverpool or citys goalie here, we would be more confident in defence. This could improve our higher line as well.
If however DeGea is offered a new contract are we going to pay him an increase? This would take him around 400k a week, a ridiculous amount.

If he wants to stay, we must push him to do a De Jong and half his salary to that in line with other keepers Becker is on £150k, Ederson £140k, Donnarumma & Courtois close to £180k or so. All are half of what DDG is on and that definitely needs to change

 

[wolvored]

If he wants to stay, we must push him to do a De Jong and half his salary to that in line with other keepers Becker is on £150k, Ederson £140k, Donnarumma & Courtois close to £180k or so. All are half of what DDG is on and that definitely needs to change

Yes but all those goalies are comfortable coming off the line sweeping etc. We need to move with the times. If we halve his salary its still about 188k a week.

 

[JB7]

If he wants to stay, we must push him to do a De Jong and half his salary to that in line with other keepers Becker is on £150k, Ederson £140k, Donnarumma & Courtois close to £180k or so. All are half of what DDG is on and that definitely needs to change

Why would we keep him, regardless of salary? So he theoretically agrees to stay on £50k a week, what's the point? He's not going to be first choice after this season unless he completely revamps his game for the first time in a decade - and we've already seen that is highly unlikely. He'd be cheap enough to be a back up in this theoretical situation but given we'd be bringing in a more proactive goalkeeper as first choice surely it would make sense to have a similar style of goalkeeper as the back-up, otherwise we'll just get chaos when he plays because the defense will be used to a proactive goalkeeper making themselves available in and out of possession and helping them. Hopefully Ten Hag will have seen enough before too long and send him on his merry way next summer.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

I’d honestly bring Romero back, stronger in the air, better on the ball. Free, low wages, plus he’d be over the moon too.

 

[Rocksy]

I’d honestly bring Romero back, stronger in the air, better on the ball. Free, low wages, plus he’d be over the moon too.

Not a bad idea. He’s not the best keeper in the world but he’s more the kind of keeper who will help Ten Hag play how he wants. I really like Maignan at Milan but he’d be pricey now. He should have replaced De Gea a couple of years ago when the contract negotiations were on. De Gea had started to regress by that point and was given a massive pay rise. I’m not up on who the better young keepers are at the moment. Who are the other good ones coming through? Meslier gets linked to United occasionally, doesn’t he?

 

[JB7]

Not a bad idea. He’s not the best keeper in the world but he’s more the kind of keeper who will help Ten Hag play how he wants. I really like Maignan at Milan but he’d be pricey now. He should have replaced De Gea a couple of years ago when the contract negotiations were on. De Gea had started to regress by that point and was given a massive pay rise. I’m not up on who the better young keepers are at the moment. Who are the other good ones coming through? Meslier gets linked to United occasionally, doesn’t he?

Maignan is the one really. Allowing both him and Donnaruma to move clubs last summer for buttons without even trying to bring one of them in was frankly astonishingly bad from us. Next summer Maignan will have 3 years left on his deal so you'd be looking at a £50m+ deal but if we were back in the Champions League you'd imagine he may be interested as obviously we pay a lot better than AC Milan do, particularly if they don't have as good of a season this year. Staying in the Serie A, it will be interesting to see how Luis Maximiano does at Lazio. He had a really good season at Granada last year despite their relegation and certainly ticks most boxes in terms of the style of goalkeeper you imagine we'd be looking for.

In terms of Premier League goalkeepers, it will be interesting to see another season of Robert Sanchez, Jose Sa & to a lesser extent David Raya as they all had good seasons last year and tick the boxes again. Meslier had a terrible season in terms of mistakes so it will be interesting to see if he can recapture his form because he was rightly an interesting prospect the previous year. I've also long had an interest in Stefan Ortega so it will be interesting to see how he does in the limited game time he'll get at City. It will also be very interesting to see how Bazunu steps up to the PL if Southampton make him their first choice given how well regarded he's been in his previous loans, also City have a buy back option on him.

Outside of that, there are a number of good goalkeepers that would tick boxes we'd be looking for, though most of them are around 30 already so not exactly coming through - which is still not an issue for a goalkeeper, looking at Remiro, Bounou, Rulli, Silva.

In terms of very young goalkeepers getting regular football outside of Meslier. Porto have a good young goalkeeper of 21 or 22, Diogo Costa, who appears to have taken over from Patricio as first choice for the national side too. I would have mentioned Maarten Vandervoort but he's one I don't know as much as I should about and he's already agreed to sign for Leipzig in two years time which is rather odd. We've been linked with Giorgi Mamardashvili previously and he ticks a lot of boxes in terms of a progressive goalkeeper but is somewhat raw I'd say, but could be of interest, particularly if we were looking to bring a young goalkeeper in to progress rather than take over immediately.