Manchester United have bigger problems than David de Gea, claims Mark Goldbridge

Manchester United have more significant problems than David de Gea that they must address first this summer.

That is the verdict of talkSPORT host and Red Devils fan Mark Goldbridge, who has insisted that Erik ten Hag must prioritise a new striker instead.

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De Gea has come under fire recentlyCredit: Getty

It has been an odd year for De Gea, who could be forced to leave Old Trafford and has come in for swathes of criticism from his own fans.

That is despite winning the Golden Glove in the Premier League for the most clean sheets with 17 – just one of his best-ever tally for the Red Devils.

But as his contract enters its final month, the club are yet to trigger an option to extend it by another year as they look to negotiate down his £325,000-a-week wages.

Ten Hag’s preference to play out from the back puts De Gea at a disadvantage given he can struggle with the ball at his feet.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Goldbridge admitted that the Spaniard might eventually need to be fazed out.

But he believes the mounting problems at Old Trafford must be addressed first, including the problems at centre-forward.

He said on his talkSPORT show: “I am held up as a massive David de Gea fan, which I am. I love David de Gea, I think he is a legend of the club.

“He has won the Golden Glove, he is a fantastic shot-stopper.

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Goldbridge has defended De GeaCredit: talksport

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De Gea has been criticised by United fans

“However, I do agree he is not a distribution goalkeeper that can play out from the back.

“And if Ten Hag decides he wants to do something about that, he is going to have to spend £50/60m.

“Now for me, if I give you £250m again to spend this summer, are you going to get two strikers, a midfielder and maybe a centre-back and a younger goalkeeper to work alongside De Gea.

“Or do you sacrifice getting a striker in and getting a brand-new goalkeeper in.

“Because I think next season, we can get by with De Gea but we desperately need to be scoring more goals.”

With Wout Weghorst set to return to Burnley and Anthony Martial linked with a move away, a new striker is the top priority at United.

Tottenham star Harry Kane has been linked while Goncalo Ramos, Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani have also been looked at.

De Gea came under fire for his performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

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De Gea failed to anticipate Gundogan’s shotCredit: Getty

Ilkay Gundogan scored two volleys but critics believe the United goalkeeper should have made a better effort to stop both goals.

Even Ten Hag took aim after admitting that they conceded two ‘soft’ goals.

“We are broken, disappointed of course, but I said I am proud of my team,” the Dutchman said.

“We did very well, we conceded two soft goals but we were in the game. There was a great spirit and very good organisation.

“They were tough goals, they were so soft and avoidable.

“When you play against City and you don’t concede almost nothing from open play it is a big credit for the team but if you concede goals like this it is disappointing.

“This team showed resilience, character and personality. We know we have a way to go but this will make us better.

“It was a test for us, we didn’t succeed but we can take a lot of positives into next season.”