The failure of Manchester United to heed Benni McCarthy’s warning regarding David de Gea’s departure
Manchester United disregarded some crucial guidance from their coach, Benni McCarthy, about the departure of David de Gea during the summer transfer window.
McCarthy had vehemently argued that allowing the Spanish goalkeeper to depart Old Trafford at the end of his contract would be a catastrophic mistake.
After a remarkable 12-year stint at Manchester United, De Gea bid farewell to the club in July. He had amassed an impressive 545 appearances across all competitions but was unable to reach a final agreement on a new contract.
The exit of the veteran goalkeeper was surrounded by controversy. Reports from The Athletic indicated that De Gea had initially agreed to a new contract with significantly reduced terms.
United, however, decided against closing the transaction and eventually put out a different proposal with an even lesser wage.
In the end, De Gea chose not to accept the most recent offer, leaving him a free agent. A few weeks later, Manchester United signed Andre Onana as their new starting goalkeeper.
Benni McCarthy had shared his thoughts on the subject in the public six weeks before David de Gea left his position. McCarthy had mostly concentrated on working with the attacking players since he was hired as the first-team coach in July.
Nevertheless, he maintained a watchful eye on the entire squad and shared his views on De Gea during an appearance on South African radio station 947 Joburg.
McCarthy’s sentiments in June were unequivocal: “He achieved 17 clean sheets in the league. While conceding is part of the game, winning the Golden Glove for yet another season is a remarkable feat.
The Premier League is known for its competitiveness, so occasional mistakes are inevitable.
However, this doesn’t diminish his standing as one of the finest goalkeepers I’ve ever encountered and collaborated with. His talent is simply extraordinary.
“I have the privilege of working with him every single day, affording me a deeper insight than most people who only see him on matchday.
When he makes a rare mistake, the critics can be harsh. But from my daily interaction, I can attest that he is an incredible individual—intelligent, dedicated, and one of the finest goalkeepers I’ve ever had the privilege of witnessing.
Losing a goalkeeper of David de Gea’s caliber would be a grievous mistake for Manchester United.”
McCarthy’s advice was ultimately disregarded by Manchester United, and David de Gea has not yet found a new team.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, may now be questioning whether parting ways with the long-serving Spaniard was the right move given that Andre Onana is having trouble adjusting to the Premier League.
