Erik ten Hag prepared to offload veteran from Manchester United squad: Reports

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly ready to part ways with club legend David de Gea. According to El Nacional, the Dutchman doesn’t see the veteran goalkeeper in his plans for the Red Devils’ future.

De Gea joined Old Trafford in 2011 and has since made 507 appearances for the Premier League giants. He has played 20 games so far this season and has been in very good form.

David De Gea has played the most minutes of any player in Premier League history, overtaking Ben Foster:🥇 David De Gea – 35,039🥈 Ben Foster – 34,959🥉 Gary Cahill – 33,374Landmark. ⏱️ https://t.co/CALyuMfUpf

However, the Spanish goalkeeper’s contract expires next summer. Given his status as a club legend, many expected he would be offered a new contract.

Manchester United have triggered the options to extend these players’ contracts until June 2024 🚨 #MUFC▫️ Marcus Rashford▫️ Diogo Dalot▫️ Luke Shaw▫️ FredMan Utd will also offer Diogo Dalot and Rashford a longer contract as expected. Discussions are also ongoing with David de Gea. https://t.co/2O4L3cOUcm

However, the above report states that Ten Hag has contacted United’s hierarchy to inform them that De Gea is not part of his plans. It is also said that Netherlands manager has identified Dean Henderson, who is on loan at Nottingham Forest, as their next first-choice goalkeeper.

This continues the United manager’s mission to overhaul the side after a miserable 2021-22 season. The ongoing campaign has also been underwhelming and is seen as a transitional period for the current manager to put his stamp on the side.

Ander Herrera praised former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

Ander Herrera was a key player for Manchester United

Ander Herrera was a mainstay in Manchester United’s midfield during his time at the club. He played under three different managers including Jose Mourinho. He recently gave an enthusiastic assessment of the Portuguese, saying (via The Person of the People):

“He’s one of the greatest managers of all time. One of the most successful managers of all time. He discovered a new position for me. He made me a more defensive midfielder. He was also a bit s**thouse [like me] as a coach, so it was a good time [laughs]. It was a different football from van Gaal, from Bielsa, from Valverde. I liked it. I liked being part of the team to help the team.”

The Spaniard made 101 appearances under Mourinho at United, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists. Notably, he won the 2017 UEFA Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield under the Portuguese tactician.