David de Gea has agreed to terms on a new contract extension with Manchester United beyond the end of the current season. The framework of a deal has been negotiated, with a lower base salary and incentives for matches played and competition performances, and is awaiting approval from United before an announcement is made.
According to the Telegraph, United did not want to exercise the one-year option on De Gea’s contract, which would have paid him more than 350,000 pounds per week when the club was in the Champions League.
With the Red Devils announcing financial losses and an increasing wage bill, they sought to keep the Spaniard at the club on a lower salary but for a longer period of time, which was eventually agreed.
De Gea has made some poor decisions this season, most notably against West Ham last weekend when he let Said Benrahma’s tame effort squirm past him, and he was also at fault during United’s Europa League exit to Sevilla.
As per to the Telegraph, staying at the club may not guarantee a first-team spot. However, following the West Ham gaffe, he received the backing of Erik ten Hag and has made crucial saves throughout the season.
Tom Heaton is still at the club, and Jack Butland was brought in as cover during the January transfer window. Dean Henderson, who was loaned to Nottingham Forest and is out due to thigh surgery, will be considered. United’s summer spending is expected to go towards their priority positions of centre-forward and central midfielder.
Erik ten Hag remains confident that United will qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. The Premier League giants have struggled in recent games, and their poor away form continued against West Ham over the weekend.
With Liverpool on their tail, the Red Devils’ place in the top four is far from guaranteed. This weekend, the Red Devils will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.