There’s no argument that David De Gea has been Manchester United’s stand-out player for the past two seasons as he has developed into one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
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From being nervy and bullied at set-pieces when he first arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2011, he has grown in strength to be brave and brilliant and De Gea is a No1 with the ability to follow proudly in the footsteps of Old Trafford legends before him such as Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.
But he is not irreplaceable.
Keepers get to show their class as the last line of defence – and it is United’s disjointed and dysfunctional defence that has been failing as De Gea’s star has shone.
If Louis van Gaal can put that right this summer then they will not suffer too much for the loss of the Spaniard should he, as expected, refuse to sign an extension to the contract that ends next year and seek a move to Real Madrid.
A top-class centre-back to help Chris Smalling and Phil Jones focus and cut out mistakes, a defensive-minded right-back such as Nathaniel Clyne, and a strong shielding midfielder will improve United’s backline no end, and lessen the contribution needed from their keeper.
Thank you very much indeed for your support. You’re unbelievable. I hope the injury is not too serious. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/x6mcO8p9qD
— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) May 17, 2015
Van Gaal already has three-time Champions League winner Victor Valdes in reserve and, if there are doubts about him after his knee injury, then there are no shortage of keeping options.
At 28, Frenchman Hugo Lloris would be a preferred choice for many fans, but not if Spurs demand a ludicrous fee.
Bosnian Asmir Begovic, who also has a year left on his Stoke contract, is proven in the Premier League, while Internazionale’s Samir Handanovic is another highly regarded, but there are doubts if they will be able to cope with the pressure at United.
For me, they should test Chelsea’s willingness to deal with a rival, and perhaps scupper Arsenal, by bringing Petr Cech to the club. He will be 33 tomorrow, available for nothing next year, but could be a golden oldie just as Van der Sar was when he joined from Fulham in 2005 as a 34-year-old.
The Dutchman ended up winning four titles and the Champions League before retiring six years later with his name etched in club folklore. There is no substitute for big-game experience, nor underestimating the desire of someone who needs a fresh challenge.
Cech has done all he can, and won all he can, at Chelsea since he joined in 2004. The timing could not be better for him to join the Van Gaal revolution. But just like they did when Real wanted Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009, United need to play hardball over De Gea.
Given the lack of faith in Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas, and the demand to win major trophies, Real cannot afford to wait a year. United, on the other hand, don’t have to sell and, with Valdes around, can even leave De Gea on the bench if no deal can be agreed.
United not only have to get the best price, but perhaps even bargain for a player to suit them.
Luring Ronaldo back to Old Trafford would more than compensate for the loss of De Gea. And for all his troubles, Gareth Bale is a class act and would be another significant signing – even if it means current record signing Angel Di Maria heading out.
But any one of centre-back Raphael Varane, midfielder Isco, or French striker Karim Benzema would strengthen United, and help them benefit from De Gea’s departure.
