Long-serving goalkeeper David De Gea has been with Manchester United for 12 years and is playing well. Still, the Old Trafford club declined to trigger the clause in the Spaniard’s contract that would automatically extend it by another 12 months. Instead, the club directors are offering a new deal – but with lower wages. It’s a test of loyalty, in a way. Will he sign it? Probably.Although any club is allowed to approach De Gea and offer him a contract without paying anything to Manchester United, the former Atletico Madrid kid is likely to agree to the new terms and continue as the Red Devils’ number one.##NAJAVA_MECA_6922735##De Gea currently earns €425,000 per week and is the top earner at Old Trafford. However, he will likely go down that list if he agrees to the proposed contract changes – although there is no information on how much he’s being offered.”I’m very relaxed. I just focus on training and perform as best as I can. But, for sure, it’s going to end in a good way. I hope so. I was saying this is my club. I’ve been here many, many years, and it’s a huge honour to be here and I’m so happy here.”David kept his 177th clean sheet for United in the 3-0 defeat of Bournemouth and is now three shy of equalling Peter Schmiechel’s club record. The Spaniard also moved into the top 10 appearance-makers in United’s history in what was his 510th appearance. Remaining at United for a 13th season would almost certainly see him overtake Alex Stepney’s 45-year-old goalkeeper appearance record of 539.David de Gea confirms talks with Man United over new contract: “I’m relaxed, for sure it’s going to end in a good way”, tells @samuelluckhurst. 🔴 #MUFC”I hope to finish my career at Man United. I was saying this is my club, it’s a huge honour to be here and I’m so happy here”. pic.twitter.com/7DWwScWynV— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2023 In the meantime, De Gea will work to help United keep their good run going. They resume their Premier League campaign against rivals Manchester City on 14 January. Brighton remain the only opponents to have achieved a domestic victory at Old Trafford this season.”That’s how it should be to come here – it should be a tough place for the teams. We are playing really well. We have to keep the momentum as much as we can and prepare every game as a final and recover well because we play many games in January.”
