David de Gea’s reaction to Erik ten Hag transfer decision speaks volumes at Man Utd

Emirates FA Cup: Manchester United v Everton in pictures

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David de Gea dropped a major clanger in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup on Friday night – just hours after the club signed a new goalkeeper.

Erik ten Hag was always likely to act in the transfer market after Newcastle cut Martin Dubravka’s season-long loan spell short earlier this week, leaving the Dutchman with just De Gea and Tom Heaton as senior goalkeeping options.

Former England shot-stopper Jack Butland will now provide back-up for De Gea for the rest of the season after agreeing a six-month loan switch from Crystal Palace to become United’s new No.2.

And while it’s probably safe to assume that nobody is expecting Butland to nudge ahead of De Gea in the Old Trafford pecking order anytime soon, the Spaniard’s long-term future at Manchester United is still far from certain.

There have been numerous reports that Ten Hag is in the market for a new No.1 goalkeeper and De Gea and the club are still yet to come to an agreement over a new deal – even though he admitted earlier this week that he is willing to take a pay cut to stay.

With all that in mind, De Gea’s embarrassing error against Everton could hardly have come at a worse time.

Just 10 minutes after Antony had fired United into an early lead, De Gea had a moment to forget when he was nutmegged, almost in slow-motion, at his near post to allow Conor Coady to stab Everton back onto level terms.

If Ten Hag does still have doubts over De Gea in the long term, which it appears he does, then Friday night’s high-profile gaffe will do little to allay the Dutchman’s fears.

Join the debate! Do you think Ten Hag should stick with Dea Gea long-term? Let us know here.

Unsurprisingly, De Gea came in for some hefty criticism at half-time from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, who was covering the game. The Irishman, who has been critical of the shot-stopper in the past, accused De Gea of playing as he had already sunk “a few drinks” beforehand.

“It’s a shocking mistake from an international goalkeeper,” said the Irishman on ITV. “De Gea there is like Carry On football. He looks like he’s had a few drinks. It’s a shocking mistake. It’s almost like a ‘keeper has been sent off and an outfield player has gone in goal and he doesn’t know what to do. It’s a horrendous mistake.”

Ian Wright, who was also covering the game and couldn’t help himself from laughing at Keane’s blunt analysis, added: “We’re talking about a goalkeeper that not too long ago we were saying was one of the best with his feet. How he’s got so wrapped up on the post I don’t know.”