Scholes claims Man United would struggle to replace David de Gea
Paul Scholes confused by David de Gea’s ‘very vague answer’ on his future as the Manchester United legend says the club would struggle to replace the Spaniard should he leave in the summer
- David de Gea has turned down Man United’s initial offer of a new contract
- The goalkeeper declined to comment on his future ahead of their tie with Sevilla
- LIVE: Man United face Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final first leg
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United would find it difficult to sign a goalkeeper of David de Gea’s quality should the Spaniard leave the club in the summer.
De Gea’s current contract expires at the end of this season and United are keen to reduce his £375,000-a-week wages next time around.
It was reported last month that De Gea, 32, turned down United’s initial contract offer but negotiations are ongoing and it is expected the long-serving stopper will commit.
De Gea was asked by BT Sport whether he wanted to remain at Old Trafford, ahead of the Red Devil’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Sevilla.
‘I want to enjoy, I want to win trophies this season,’ De Gea replied. ‘That is the most important thing for everyone.
David de Gea refused to be drawn on his Man United future ahead of their tie with Sevilla
Paul Scholes, left, believes Man United would find it difficult to replace De Gea if he leaves
De Gea has kept the joint highest number of clean sheets in the Premier League this season
‘Let’s see what happens. The most important thing is to be focused on the next games.’
Scholes admitted he was confused by De Gea’s comments on his future at the club.
The Manchester United legend acknowledged that while De Gea has faced criticism over his ball playing ability, the club would struggle to replace him should the Spaniard move on.
‘That is a very vague answer, I am not too sure what to take from that,’ Scholes said.
‘He has been a fantastic goalkeeper for a long time. There were rumours a few years ago about going to Real Madrid and it didn’t quite happen.
‘I think the only weakness is with his feet, he is not a great footballer and I think the manager wants that. But on the other hand how do you replace a goalkeeper of this quality.
‘To me clean sheets are the most important thing, but modern day football, they want a goalkeeper that plays football.’
De Gea has kept 20 clean sheets in all competitions for United this season, including 13 in the Premier League.
Only Newcastle’s Nick Pope can match De Gea’s clean sheet tally in the league this campaign.
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