David de Gea has become a two-time Golden Glove winner after his 17th clean sheet of the season was confirmed earlier on Saturday when Manchester United beat Bournemouth by the odd goal.
De Gea was the recipient of the prize in the 2017/18 season but he will now be able to add another one to his growing list of personal accolades.
Confirmation that De Gea was going to win the award came last week when United defeat Wolves at Old Trafford but he could still be caught by his peers at that point.
Now, it has been confirmed by the Premier League that De Gea will be the sole winner as no other goalkeeper is able to reach 17 clean sheets this season.
Manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defence of his goalkeeper on a number of occasions this season, most notably in recent weeks after a string of questionable performances.
The Dutchman’s loyalty has never waned, at least publicly, and he was in full praise of his goalkeeper after the game at Bournemouth whilst also pointing out that it has been a team effort.
“First of all, it’s telling something about the team [golden glove award], don’t forget that,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.
“But of course, we have a very good goalkeeper and he saved a lot of great opportunities today.”
De Gea’s contract at he club expires at the end of next month but it is expected that he will sign a fresh deal on reduced terms imminently.
It remains to be seen whether United target a goalkeeper in the summer but if that is the case, it is highly likely that De Gea’s place in the side would be in jeopardy.
