Man United star prepared to take pay cut in order to stay put

Manchester United extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to eight games by beating West Ham United on Sunday. 

Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the game at Old Trafford but The Hammers were unlucky not to have left Manchester with at least a point.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag had David de Gea to thank for his side’s victory, with the Spanish goalkeeper producing a number of fine saves to keep the hosts ahead, including a fantastic stop to deny Declan Rice in the closing seconds.

The Spanish ‘keeper wasn’t included in Spain’s provisional 55-man World Cup squad that was announced last week, despite Luis Enrique naming five goalkeepers including Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez.

De Gea’s form has improved dramatically since the opening fortnight of the season, when he was at fault for two of Brentford’s goals as The Bees thrashed United 4-0.

Since then, he has kept eight clean sheets in 15 matches across the Premier League and Europa League.

Despite his impressive performances of late, the Spaniard’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season.

Now though, it appears that the player is so keen on staying in Manchester, that he is willing to take a pay cut.

According to The Athletic via The Sun, De Gea is considering agreeing to a reduction in his salary in order to secure a contract extension.

De Gea is intent on extending his stay in Manchester

The 31-year-old is believed to earn a staggering £375,000-per-week at present, making him one of the Premier League’s highest earners.

The player’s current deal includes a clause that would allow United to extend his stay by a further 12 months, but United are reluctant to do that as it would force them to continue paying his colossal wages.

De Gea joined United from Spanish side Atletico Madrid back in 2011 and, after a slow start to life at Old Trafford, the ‘keeper established himself as one of the best in the world in his position during his first six years with the club.

Spells of inconsistency and poor form followed but the Spanish international is in fine form at present and looks to be settled in Manchester.

United’s only other goalkeeping options are Martin Dubravka, who joined on loan from Newcastle United over the summer but is yet to make his debut, and Tom Heaton, who has made just one appearance since signing for the club last summer.

To date, De Gea has made 504 appearances for United, keeping 173 clean sheets in the process.

He has also been capped 45 times by Spain, but looks unlikely to feature at the upcoming World Cup unless Enrique changes his mind.