The annual awards ceremony, traditionally held to honour the club’s best players at each level, has been scrapped this year but David de Gea was likely to win yet another player of the year award.
Manchester United have conceded more goals than they have ever done before in the Premier League but had De Gea not been back at his best, that figure would have been far higher.
The Spaniard’s future at the club was seriously in doubt last summer but he emerged from that horrific Europa League final in the best possible shape and has now reflected on his personal performances, insisting the 2021/22 campaign was one of his best.
“It will always have been a tough season for us, but I am very proud of my season, to be honest,” he is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
Read more: Ronaldo to start: predicted line-up for Ralf Rangnick’s final Man Utd game
“I worked really hard in the summer to be here and be ready to play and show my qualities for the team. I think I did very well. I played very consistent this season and helped the team a lot.
“Maybe it is one of my best seasons. I have had very good seasons before, but I think it has been a very good one.”
SN’s verdict…
At the end of last season, Dean Henderson was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first choice between the posts and although De Gea was aided by Henderson’s pre-season injury, he can’t be faulted for seizing the opportunity to reclaim his spot.
De Gea has just one year remaining on his contract at United and there is uncertainty over whether he will be extending that deal but ultimately, Erik ten Hag will have the final say as the Dutchman eyes wholesale changes to United’s squad.
This summer, it’s believed that De Gea is out of danger, and in what is expected to be a tumultuous summer, Ten Hag will be happy to learn that at least one position is not in urgent need of strengthening.
Henderson has been strongly linked with an exit and should the goalkeeper depart, a backup goalkeeper is, however, expected to arrive. Lee Grant will leave on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.