Roy Keane has urged Manchester United to replace David de Gea this summer, claiming praise for winning the Premier League’s Golden Glove award is ‘ridiculous’. De Gea received the award following United’s final game of the season on Sunday – a 2-1 victory over Fulham in which the Spaniard saved a penalty. Keane felt some of the scenes at Old Trafford were ‘ridiculous’ as De Gea’s team-mates congratulated him on winning the award for a second time and said he should be ‘moved on’ during the upcoming transfer window as he is ‘not going to get the club back winning trophies’. United boss Erik ten Hag has repeatedly said he wants De Gea to stay for at least one more season but Keane believes his former club should be planning for life without the 32-year-old.
Keane said on Sky Sports after the final round of Premier League fixtures: ‘Manchester United had to improve defensively from last year because they were so bad. They’re all patting De Gea on the back there… I’d move him on quickly. He wouldn’t be for me, he’s not going to get Manchester United back winning trophies, absolutely not. The idea that the players are patting him on the back is ridiculous, that’s his job.’ When asked if United should keep De Gea at the club even if they downgrade him to back-up, Keane added: ‘No, you wouldn’t keep him as a No. 2. He wouldn’t want that, he wouldn’t stay for that. He’s done okay, he’s won a few Player of the Year awards – but what big deal is that? It’s about what the team is achieving. He’s made far too many mistakes over the years. He was trying to leave the club for a few years ago and go to Real Madrid.’
De Gea has made 544 appearances for Manchester United since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and holds the record for the most clean sheets by a United goalkeeper. His penalty save to deny Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic helped the Red Devils come from behind to beat the Cottagers 2-1 and clinch third place. Ten Hag said: ‘I think we created many chances so I am happy with this win and happy with third place. To win 27 home games [all competitions] in one season is a big achievement. The penalty save was a turning point. We were better organised in and out of possession after that.’ On finishing third, Ten Hag added: ‘It was a difficult start to the season. We grew as a team and as individuals. There are many competitors for the top-four positions. It’s a big compliment for this team.’ Manchester United’s season is not finished just yet as Ten Hag takes his team to Wembley next weekend for a FA Cup final against Premier League champions Manchester City.