OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER remains optimistic David de Gea will sign an extension at Manchester United rather than run down his contract.
The Spain international joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and, after a shaky start, has developed into arguably the best goalkeeper in the world.
Since the start of the 2013-14 season, De Gea has been the undisputed first choice at Old Trafford, putting in some remarkable performances.
A return to Spain has regularly been mooted, with Real Madrid long-time admirers having previously attempted to sign him, and his future remains uncertain.
De Gea’s contract expires in 2020 and prolonged negotiations have failed to yield an agreement, posing the risk United could lose one of their most valuable assets for free, but Solskjaer is not resigned to losing the 28-year-old.
“I’m positive, of course, with David. I’ve said many times how lucky I am and happy we are to have him in goal,” Solskjaer told reporters in Perth ahead of Saturday’s friendly with Perth Glory.
David has had a close-season where he has been negotiating and we hope we can get it sorted. I am positive. We hope he stays here for many years.”
Following a disappointing 2018-19 campaign that saw United finish sixth in the Premier League, Solskjaer and the club’s hierarchy have been tasked with making considerable changes to the squad.
Although only Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have arrived, Solskjaer is confident more will follow, but stressed they will not be making rash decisions.
“Doing business in the football market is not a quick fix overnight,” Solskjaer added.
We have players I trust and who I know are going to be successful at this club and we’ve signed two, Dan and Aaron, with speed, hunger and quality, to be part of that.
“We know last year was disappointing and what we have to aim for this year. We’ve got to close the gap.
“We ended up sixth in a very competitive league and that’s what Manchester United is all about – bouncing back after a season.
“When the league starts I’m sure we’ll have a good team, a Manchester United team that is going to challenge.
We’re still in the market looking to do some business, but we’re patient, we’re Manchester United, we don’t have to sell and don’t have to overpay.
“You have to have the right players at the right price and if you look at the squad we’ve got now, there are so many good players, and the ones working here want to improve.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
There is so much to gain for de Gea (and Jorge Mendes) by letting his deal run out.
A year left, and it likely to be a year of struggle into the bargain? Well, I suppose Ole doesn’t have much else to cling to, other than his optimism.
@James Doyle: and his PL medals …..
Look at the deal Ramsey got at Juventus, you’d be mad not to let your contract run down and then move. Very few have genuine emotional connections to their clubs so from a financial point of view it makes sense.
You get him to either sign now or sell him… simple…
Don’t be talking,, get it done!!!! The premier league has three of the best goalkeepers in the world,, it would be nice to keep it that way.
@Devilsavocado: yes the Spanish number 1 kepa ederson and allison so dont understand your comment
@Joe O’riordan: Kepa?? Is that the same guy that refused to leave the pitch when his manager wanted him substituted??? Ye scandalous behaviour from a player, that embarrassed him his manager, teammates and club, and he didn’t give a toss. I rate De Gea as a better goalkeeper anyway a few bad months at the end of last season,, ok fair enough, but the lad is world class, and he’s been proving it for years. Easily Utds best player over the last 5yrs.
De Gea going on a free would be painful for utd, especially when hes is worth minimum £70 million
@Paddy Kavanagh: £70m are you having a laugh ? At his best he’s worth 100m ….
@Adam Gibson: and it’s a couple of years since he was at his best . I think Real Madrid have lost all interest in De Gea , Courtois has the hot seat now and Lunin was best keeper in the recent tournament .
He’s gone! Shame