Huge boost for Manchester United with star close to agreeing new deal

Manchester United need three wins from their final four Premier League matches to make certain of their place in the top four. 

United looked certain to qualify for next season’s Champions League a fortnight ago, but consecutive defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and then West Ham United have left fifth-placed Liverpool just a point behind.

Erik ten Hag has already enjoyed a relatively successful debut season in Manchester having guided his side to the Carabao Cup in February, and the Dutchman could do a cup double if the Red Devils can get the better of rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final in June.

Now, it appears that United could soon be handed a huge boost in the coming weeks.

According to 90min, goalkeeper David de Gea is close to agreeing a contract extension with the club.

The Spaniard’s current deal is set to expire this summer but the report claims that the terms of an extension have now been agreed in principle.

De Gea was at fault for West Ham’s winner at The London Stadium on Sunday

De Gea, 32, joined United from Spanish side Atletico Madrid back in 2011 and has since made 540 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, recently surpassing the record for the most appearances by a goalkeeper in the club’s history.

This season, though, the Spaniard has been criticised for some of his performances, most recently when letting Said Benrahma’s long-range shot squirm under him against West Ham on Sunday.

Despite De Gea reportedly being close to signing a contract extension, the report claims that United remain on the hunt for a new ‘keeper this summer.

It is claimed that the club want to sign a new goalkeeper to provide competition for places for the Spain international, with both Tom Heaton and Jack Butland expected to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the current season.

Brentford’s David Raya and Porto’s Diogo Costa are said to be targets for the club, while it remains to be seen what will happen with Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.