Manchester United need two more league wins to guarantee a return to Champions League football next season. Former Liverpool winger John Barnes caught up with Bonuscodebets to discuss the future of keeper David De Gea and the struggles of winger Jadon Sancho.
Barnes backs De Gea to remain number one
Is it time for Manchester United to find themselves a new number one goalkeeper? That’s the question being asked after a number of high-profile errors made by David De Gea this season. De Gea’s future at United ha d already been a topic of discussion due to ten Hag’s preference for a goalkeeper who is highly capable with the ball at his feet.
However, the number of mistakes De Gea continues to make has led to calls for him not to be offered a new contract. Barnes is of the opinion that despite the mistakes, De Gea is still a great goalkeeper and there aren’t many available alternatives on the market.
“I don’t think Man United needs a new goalkeeper. I think David De Gea is a great goalkeeper.”
“Of course, he will make high profile errors because he plays for Man United. When you make a mistake for Man United, the mistakes are being scrutinised.”
“If he played for a smaller club, the errors wouldn’t have been talked about as much. I think he has proven himself for a long time even though he has made a couple of errors.”
“I don’t think they necessarily need to strengthen that area. Yes, if they can get a top top goalkeeper, then they should do it. But Man United can’t get a goalkeeper like that because he won’t be available on the market.”
Barnes offers sympathy to Sancho
The future of winger Jadon Sancho has also been a topic of conversation due to another disappointing season at Old Trafford. During the World Cup, Sancho spent a period of time training to rediscover the form that made him one of the most highly coveted young players in the world. Since his return, Sancho has flattered to deceive leading to discussions as to whether United should cut their ties with the England international. Barnes retains his faith in the winger and shows some sympathy to the difficult scenario Sancho married in when he joined the club.
“When Sancho came to Manchester United as a young boy with a huge price tag, United were struggling and his confidence was shot.’
“I’ve said it all along. When a young player has one or two good seasons and then costs £80 million pounds and enters a team that’s struggling it’s going to be hard for him.”
“We’re too quick to judge players both positively and negatively. Now there’s so much pressure on him to go and be a main player at Manchester United.”
“I feel sorry for him because had he joined Manchester United with the quality he possess and the team were flying we would be seeing the best of Jadon.”
