What milestones could De Gea reach in 2022/23?

Sir Alex Ferguson needed a replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar and, although he was only 20 years old, the Spanish prospect fitted the bill.

Fast forward 11 years, 487 appearances, seven trophies and a wealth of individual accolades later, and De Gea has firmly established himself as a fan favourite and a trusted senior player.

As we look ahead to the 2022/23 season, and a new era under new boss Erik ten Hag, we took a look at which accolades our no.1 has achieved so far, and what he may accomplish next term.

DE GEA’S ACCOLADES TO DATE

Under Sir Alex, the Spaniard won the Premier League in 2013, and he has also won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League with the Reds.

De Gea shares the record for the greatest number of Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards with Cristiano Ronaldo, with four apiece.

In addition, the Spaniard has also won our Players’ Player of the Year award four times, extending his previous record of three by winning it in 2021/22.

APPEARANCES: TOP TEN IN REACH

David currently sits 11th in our all-time appearances chart with a tally of 487. The Spaniard is the second-highest goalkeeper on the list, behind Alex Stepney, who played 539 games for the Reds.

Our current no.1 is 23 matches away from equalling Joe Spence’s 510 appearances in 10th place, and there’s every chance he will surpass Spence next term.

While reaching the top ten would be a great achievement itself, De Gea could also overtake legendary United full-back Denis Irwin during 2022/23, if the Reds progress well in cup competitions. The Irishman accumulated 529 appearances for the club between 1990 and 2002, and our Spanish shot-stopper is 42 matches away from equalling that tally.

CLEAN SHEETS RECORD

The 31-year-old has kept 165 clean sheets during his United career, and only two goalkeepers have achieved higher tallies.

Peter Schmeichel, the Great Dane, tops the list with 180, while Stepney has 10 more than De Gea on 175.

In 2021/22, De Gea kept 10 clean sheets in all competitions. If he remains consistent, the Spaniard should equal Stepney’s total by the end of 2022/23.

But, if De Gea – and United’s defence – can recreate the resilience of the 2017/18 or 2019/20 seasons, when 22 and 15 clean sheets respectively were kept, there is a very good chance the Spaniard could overtake Schmeichel and set a new club record.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Last season was one of De Gea’s most impressive in a United shirt on a personal level, despite it being a difficult year for the team.

Supporters will be hoping the 31-year-old can produce the same form again, while looking for him to be less busy during games as the Reds evolve under Erik ten Hag.

In an interview with MUTV in April, the Spaniard reacted to the Dutchman's appointment, saying: "We know what he has done for Ajax, he has nearly been in a Champions League final, won titles and he develops players, so I’m very excited."

If the Reds are to achieve success next term, our experienced ‘keeper will likely play a pivotal role, as he has done for 11 years now.