Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has expressed his disappointment with how the club has treated goalkeeper David de Gea and believes that more players are leaving with a sour taste in their mouths. De Gea’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain as his contract is set to expire on Friday after 12 years with the Premier League giants.
Ferdinand believes that it is unlikely for De Gea to re-sign with United, mainly due to the treatment he has received from the club’s hierarchy. The former defender suggests that the only way De Gea will stay is if United fails to sign Andre Onana or another goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.
While Ferdinand acknowledges that opinions are divided on whether De Gea is still good enough for Manchester United, he emphasizes the goalkeeper’s contributions to the club. De Gea has been a standout performer for the team, winning multiple Player of the Year awards and consistently serving as a top-quality professional.
Ferdinand argues that the club’s handling of the situation has been disappointing, highlighting the importance of communication and appreciation. He suggests that Manchester United should learn from past mistakes and ensure that players who have served the club well leave on good terms.
The former United defender acknowledges that De Gea may have to accept a lesser role if he is not the type of goalkeeper preferred by manager Erik ten Hag. However, Ferdinand insists that it is crucial for the club to handle the situation better and consider the player’s feelings.
Reports have surfaced that United initially agreed on a new contract with De Gea, but then backed out and offered him an even lower deal. This change in terms is believed to be driven by Ten Hag’s reservations about De Gea’s ball-playing abilities following notable errors in the previous season.
As De Gea’s departure appears likely, United has been exploring the possibility of signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan as a replacement. Talks have already taken place with Onana’s agent, contingent upon the resolution of De Gea’s situation.
In conclusion, Rio Ferdinand’s criticism of Manchester United revolves around disappointment with how the club has handled the David de Gea situation. The former defender believes that players are leaving with a sour taste due to poor communication and lack of appreciation. While De Gea’s future is uncertain, it seems likely that he will leave the club after 12 years of service. United is actively pursuing Andre Onana as a potential replacement, highlighting their ambitions in the transfer market.
