In Focus: De Gea fighting to remain Ten Hag's No1

David de Gea seems desperate to remain at Manchester United, despite his position between the sticks being under threat. 

The Spain international looks set to sign a new contract with the Red Devils, but even if he does, it would seem likely a new goalkeeper will be recruited. 

Ahead of the transfer window opening, we take a look at De Gea's future at Old Trafford.

Contract talks

De Gea's contract is set to expire this summer. United had the option of triggering a one-year extension, but fresh terms have instead been negotiated. 

The 32-year-old is thought to have turned down an offer to move to Saudi Arabia. 

Money is clearly not the motivating factor for De Gea, who is expected to take a major pay cut to stay in the Premier League.

Some years ago, it looked a certainty that the stopper would one day depart Old Trafford, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain chasing his signature. 

Now, staying put looks to be his strongest option, even though he is set for a real fight to remain as Erik ten Hag's No1.

Stock fall

Many teams, including United, want to play out from the back and look for a keeper that is adept with their feet. 

This tactical trend has seen De Gea's stock fall, but his position remained stable due to his traditional goalkeeping ability. 

A number of high-profile errors last season — and criticism of his performance in the FA Cup final — have increased the need for a replacement to be found. 

De Gea's best hope of being a first-choice pick next season would be if Ten Hag opted for a prospect who needs time to develop, like Leeds custodian Illan Meslier. 

Yet it would appear that United will be targeting the type of keeper that would see the Atletico Madrid academy graduate relegated to the bench. 

Brentford ace David Raya has been linked and would bring Premier League experience, while Portuguese international Diogo Costa is also reportedly on the club's radar. 

Golden Glove

Some might think it strange that United want to extend the contract of a player that they are trying to replace. Even with a wage cut, De Gea would be an expensive back-up. 

Though Ten Hag craves another keeper, there are still those within Old Trafford circles that rate the 45-cap international, with club coach Benni McCarthy having spoken out on the matter this week. 

Ex-Blackburn forward McCarthy said: "He kept 17 clean sheets in the league. You're going to concede but to win the Golden Glove for yet another season is remarkable. 

"You see how difficult the league is. I understand everyone has a bad game but it doesn't stop him being one of the best goalkeepers I have seen or worked with. He is unbelievable. 

"I get to see first-hand more than what most people get to see. You see it only on a Saturday, you see a player make a mistake and the critics hit the roof. 

"But I get to spend every single day with him and he is an unbelievable guy, a great lad, very intelligent and one of the best goalkeepers I have seen. 

"It would be a crime if Man United lose a goalkeeper like David de Gea."

In the next few weeks, we will soon find out whether Ten Hag agrees with his South African colleague.