Man Utd transfers: Ten Hag bemoans ‘soft goals’ as deal for De Gea replacement is now ‘well underway’

Erik ten Hag has bemoaned the defensive mistakes that his side made during the FA Cup final as Manchester United begin talks for David De Gea’s replacement.

Man Utd found themselves behind after just 12 seconds as Ilkay Gundogan struck a fine volley past De Gea. Bruno Fernandes did then spark the game back into life from the penalty spot.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side showcased their class in the second half. Gundogan was on target again after taking advantage of a lackadaisical United defence.

Peter Schmeichel was critical of De Gea regarding the second goal. “Personally I think De Gea should save it,” the former United goalkeeper told BBC.

Ten Hag himself was left disappointed by the lapse in concentration at the back, but he is still proud of what his side has achieved this year.

“We are broken, disappointed of course, but I said I am proud of my team. We did very well, we conceded two soft goals but we were in the game. There was a great spirit and very good organisation,” Ten Hag told BBC.

“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.”

With takeover talks still ongoing in the background, Ten Hag will be itching to lay out a plan for next season. United already have several transfer targets in mind for the summer.

According to the latest reports, Man Utd are holding talks for a De Gea replacement. While the Spanish shot-stopper did win the Premier League Golden Glove, he has made several high-profile mistakes this year.

Ten Hag will also be keen on securing a shot-stopper who is more comfortable with the ball at his feet than that of De Gea.

As reported by Sport Witness, a deal for Porto keeper Diogo Costa is now ‘well underway’. The report also states that the 23-year-old ‘will leave’ the Portuguese club this summer.

Man Utd have been admirers of the Portuguese goalkeeper for some time now. It has been claimed that around £65m could be enough to secure his signature.

Costa has kept 16 clean sheets in the league for Porto and boasts a save percentage of 77.2%. His impressive distribution skills also make him a desirable player for a manager like Ten Hag.

Despite the United boss publicly backing De Gea on multiple occasions, it has been reported that behind the scenes they are actively looking for his replacement.

With a new striker also on the priority list for Man Utd this summer, it is bound to be a busy transfer window for Ten Hag and his men.

READ MORE: Man Utd make serious approach for key Ten Hag target as asking price emerges from first formal talks