Think De Gea’s bad? Ten Hag’s alternative is even WORSE

Robin Bairner

• 12 May 2023 10:00 BST
• 3 min read

Following Manchester United’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to West Ham, there has been a clamour for David de Gea’s contract at the club not to be renewed.

Just hours after reports broke that the Spain international’s deal would be extended, the 32-year-old had a catastrophic match against Sevilla in the Europa League that saw Erik ten Hag’s side sent spinning out in the quarter-finals.

Pressure on De Gea, though, has grown to new levels after he allowed a weak shot from Said Benhrama to beat him on Sunday, thereby putting United’s place in the Champions League next season under threat.

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The ex-Atletico Madrid star, who has been at Old Trafford since 2011, has never won unanimous praise at Man Utd.

Initially there was scepticism over his ability to deal with the physicality of the Premier League, particularly from crosses, then he was criticised for his error proneness and now in the Ten Hag era it is his play from feet that is his Achilles heel.

It comes as no surprise that Man Utd are looking at alternatives for De Gea – but what is surprising is one of the names linked with replacing him.

According to The Mirror, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is Ten Hag’s preferred target should the Red Devils fail to agree a new contract with De Gea.

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Pickford a downgrade on De Gea

Given one of the major rationales for ditching De Gea is his inability to play with the ball at his feet, replacing him with Pickford makes little sense.

Man Utd’s No.1 completes 84% of his passes, which is one of the lowest figures among goalkeepers to have played more than five games this season, yet it is considerably higher than Pickford’s 77%. For reference, the type of ball-playing shot-stopper that Ten Hag is after is along the lines of an Alisson or a Ederson, who post 89% and 90% pass completion respectively.

Does Pickford make up for this in his shot stopping? No. The England No.1 does have a slight edge in save percentage – 72% compared to 71% - but has a lower expected goals per goals conceded figure, suggesting that he is saving a lower quality of shot.

Ten Hag has every right to look at De Gea alternatives, but Pickford is not one he should be treating seriously.