Erik ten Hag rips up David de Gea plan as he issues Man Utd transfer instruction

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit to sign another goalkeeper, with Erik ten Hag keen to bolster his ranks following the departure of Dean Henderson this summer.

The 25-year-old made the season-long loan switch to Nottingham Forest back in July, all but ending his time at Old Trafford, although The Reds do not have an option or obligation to buy Henderson. It is unlikely he will return to United ahead of the 2023/24 season after Henderson spoke about how he was unfairly treated at the club.

David de Gea is currently United's No.1 shot-stopper, but The Athletic report that Ten Hag is unconvinced that the Spaniard can play the sweeper role and wants to bring in someone who can actually push him for minutes. Tom Heaton is the only other senior 'keeper at the Red Devils following Lee Grant's retirement back in June.

Alex McCarthy has been linked with a shock move to United after losing his place as Southampton's first-choice to new signing Gavin Bazunu. However, the 32-year-old does not fit the profile of being comfortable with the ball at his feet and would only surely come in as third choice if United do make a move for the experienced campaigner.

United initially budgeted £35,000 per week for a new 'keeper, but are prepared to pay more than that in wages to bring in someone who fits Ten Hag's requirements. Andre Onana was his 'keeper at Ajax and he was an expert at sweeping and playing out from the back.

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De Gea is out of contract next year and Ten Hag could opt to completely change his goalkeeping department. The Dutchman was supposedly happy to keep the 31-year-old as his primary shot-stopper for the next couple of seasons, but that plan could be entirely scrapped.

Scouts at the Red Devils have been sent across Europe to look for a new 'keeper, who would initially come as No.2, but with a view to push De Gea and potentially replace him in the near future. The former Athletic Bilbao man has made 488 appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

There is genuine interest in Leeds United's Illan Meslier, and figures within the club believe he has what it takes to take the reins from De Gea, who does have an option to extend his contract. However, the Elland Road outfit have no intention to cash in on the 22-year-old this summer, so United may have to look elsewhere.