There has been plenty of discussion surrounding the future of David de Gea over the last couple of months. However, the Spanish stopper has put an end to that as he has officially signed a new contract at Old Trafford. With both Dean Henderson and Kieran O'Hara out on loan this season, the 28-year old has very little competition between the sticks and is all but certain to remain as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's number one for the foreseeable future.
With over 366 appearances to his name and 130 clean sheets, the Madrid-born keeper is United's fourth-longest serving stopper, and he looks set to overtake both Gary Bailey and Peter Schmeichel.
De Gea has kept 130 clean sheets during his 367 appearances for the club, although he managed just 10 shutouts last season. He was at fault for Patrick Van Aanholt's strike in the Crystal Palace loss and this wasn't the first time that he's suffered from a lack of concentration at a crucial moment. Despite his shaky start to the campaign, the Spaniard is still regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the top flight and even picked up the Golden Glove at the end of the 2017-18 campaign. He has always been one of the first names on the teamsheet and was often a top pick for Fantasy Football players. He is still likely to be highly sought-after in the dream team of players with Fantasy, a new daily sports game from Paddy Power.
He's already chalked up one clean sheet this campaign and is still far more reliable than the majority of Premier League stoppers.
Peter Schmeichel is the club's second longest-serving goalkeeper, chalking up 389 appearances throughout the 1990s, although De Gea could potentially match the Dane's superb record in the coming months. He still has a long way to go until he becomes the club's leading appearance-maker in this department, although his six-year deal at Old Trafford could take him close to Alex Stepney's phenomenal record of 539 appearances.
De Gea has looked a shadow of his former self over the last twelve months, and some pundits have even suggested that he may require a fresh start in order to improve performances. However, he has the full backing of the Manchester United coaching staff, and remains a fan favourite despite his recent blunder.
The Spaniard should easily pass his half-century if he remains at the club for the length of his new contract, and fans will be hoping that the new deal will help spark a revival in his performances. He has already established himself as a Manchester United stalwart, and another six years in the north-west of England will surely enable him to make history at Old Trafford.
