Speaking ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering clash with Newcastle, manager Erik ten Hag has reserved special praise for David de Gea, who has reached an honourable milestone after being named in the starting eleven.
The Spaniard will make his 500th appearance for the Reds, sealing his high status at the club. Ahead of kick-off, it was confirmed by Manchester United that he would be presented with an award for his achievement.
De Gea is set to become only the 11th player to reach this milestone for United and the manager has now sung his praises.
🗣 "I want to congratulate him for that, you are the number 1️⃣ at Man United."
Erik ten Hag on David de Gea making his 500th appearance for Manchester United pic.twitter.com/GrWoN03ecm
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 16, 2022
“It’s massive,” he told Football Daily. “When you play 500 games for Manchester United, it’s a big achievement. I want to congratulate him for that, that you are the number one in Manchester United, that’s really well done.”
Ten Hag showed faith in De Gea during the off-season, with some supporters arguing that a new goalkeeper should be signed as part of the Dutchman’s revolution.
Thus far, De Gea has maintained his fine form from last season and there are no suggestions that he is going to be replaced in the January transfer window.
He does, however, has just one year remaining on his contract and it remains to be seen whether United exercise their option to extend that for an additional season.
