A former Man Utd coach has backed the Red Devils to secure a key agreement for a player “still in his prime” that’ll also tee up a Tottenham transfer, per reports.

The future of goalkeeper David de Gea is a subject that is quickly coming to a head. The veteran Spaniard, 32, is a four-time Man Utd Players’ Player of the Year. He’s also a five-time selection in the PFA Team of the Year, though limitations with the ball at feet have raised questions as to his suitability for Erik ten Hag.

Paul Scholes is among the observers who harbour doubts over De Gea being the right man for Ten Hag. The issue primarily stems from his sub-par distribution and decision-making when pressed.

De Gea’s contract expires at season’s end and United have thus far opted against triggering a 12-month extension.

The idea was to negotiate a new, multi-year deal and the Manchester Evening News claimed United are confident of reaching an agreement before the campaign concludes.

De Gea will be expected to absorb a hefty pay-cut in the process. He’s currently the club’s top earner on £375,000-a-week, though a huge decrease to around £200,000-a-week has been speculated.

In the event De Gea were to pen fresh terms as the MEN predict, Dean Henderson is likely to be sold this summer.

Nottingham Forest and Tottenham are both eyeing up the Euro 2024 hopeful. Football Insider claimed Henderson has realised he must leave Old Trafford for good if De Gea puts pen to paper on a new deal.

The Evening Standard have joined those who believe Hugo Lloris could be axed this summer and a £30m move for Henderson as his replacement has been touted.

De Gea backed to mirror Schmeichel, Van der Sar

Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, former United goalkeeping coach, Eric Steele, has urged the Red Devils to wrap up a De Gea extension.

Steele was United’s goalkeeping coach between 2008-13 and was a key voice in convincing Sir Alex Ferguson to sign De Gea from Atletico Madrid.

Steele believes De Gea is “still in his prime” and reckons the Spaniard could mirror the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Edwin Van der Sar in playing up to and around the age of 40. It’s important to note Steele’s comments came prior to De Gea’s costly error against West Ham on Sunday night.

“He’s still in his prime,” said Steele. “He’s still young as a goalkeeper but look at the experience. He’s not going to be far off 550 games by the end of the season, and that’s at 32 years of age.

“I wouldn’t want him to be lost to Manchester United and the Premier League. Hopefully they will get this deal sorted and he stays part of the Ten Hag era.

“It’s down to David and the club. I think it’s about time it was sorted. We keep hearing it’s going to be resolved but we’re in May now. His contract runs out at the end of June. It would be nice to have an announcement to say which way it’s going.

“All I can say is that I would be very saddened to lose David after the 12 years he’s given.”

When asked if De Gea can copy Schmeichel and Van der Sar who didn’t retire until the ages of 39 and 41 respectively, Steele added: “Why not?

“He looks after himself. Why can’t he do what Edwin and Peter did? He’s been a great servant to the club and contributed to some really great times.

“In terms of every record he seems to be breaking, he’s been phenomenal and no-one is more proud then me. When he beats Alex Stepney’s record (most GK appearances for Man Utd) that is something that will put him in the history books at Man United forever.”

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