Ten Hag shares gratitude for De Gea
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has shared his gratitude once more for the contributions of David De Gea, following the legendary goalkeeper’s recent departure from the club.
The Spaniard – who became one of the greatest ever to play the position for the Reds – announced that he would be leaving Old Trafford earlier this month, concluding a legendary 12-year stay in M16.
At the time, Ten Hag paid tribute to De Gea’s “outstanding” career so far and has again spoke of the high level of esteem that the goalkeeper left the club in, during his first sit-down interview of the new season with club media.
Ten Hag underlines De Gea's legacy
The manager pays homage to David De Gea's lasting impact as a United legend...
“It's massive what David has done for us and for Manchester United,” he began, speaking in New Jersey, ahead of our first game of pre-season's Tour 2023 schedule, live on MUTV, this weekend.
“Last season he contributed so highly on our top-four position, to winning the trophy in the Carabao Cup and to reaching the final of the FA Cup.
“So, we are really grateful for what he did for us, and we highly respect him.”
Erik may have only worked with David during the last 12 months of the legendary stopper’s 12-year career in Manchester, but recognises his contributions to the club for more than a decade before then, nonetheless.
Our former no.1 left having made more appearances than any other goalkeeper in the club’s history (545), and Erik admitted there remains a strong admiration here for everything he achieved whilst with the Reds.
“545 games, that's huge,” Ten Hag added.
“So many times he had the clean sheets because of his skills and he has done massive things for Manchester United and we all respect him.
“Sometimes also, as a team, especially on the top, you move, it's fluid, it's dynamic, and you move in another direction, and it happens.
“And when you are [here for] 12 years at Man United, there then comes a period when players will come and go.”
The signing of De Gea’s potential long-term successor, Andre Onana from Internazionale on a five-year deal, was officially announced on Thursday, and sees Erik reunite with a player that he has previously worked with at Ajax.
Ten Hag discusses what Onana will bring to United, and much more, during his interview with club media upon arrival in the United States, which you can see in full from 07:00 BST on Saturday morning.