Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has hinted that Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea is reportedly close to penning a new long-term contract with the Red Devils. The 28-year-old presently has just seven months remaining on his existing deal with the Mancunian giants, though the club have the option of an extension clause which they could trigger to prolong his stay for an additional year.
In a report covered by Sky Sports, Mourinho was full of praise for the Spain international after he made a crucial save during the Red Devils’ close 1-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday night. He added to suggest that the shot-stopper remains the sole world-class player in their ranks and the club are optimistic of striking a contract extension in the near future with the player more than willing to stay.
United struggled to have regular efforts on target against Young Boys despite holding two-thirds of the possession but they eventually managed to secure the three points after a late goal in injury-time from Marouane Fellaini, who managed to yield off the challenge from the opposition before firing a low-right footed shot to find the net.
With the victory, United have been guaranteed progress to the round of 16 of the Champions League after Valencia succumbed to a 1-0 defeat on the road to Juventus in the other group stage game. Jose Mourinho’s side still have the chance to top their group but the faithful should be pleased that the team have managed to progress into the knockout phase despite their lean run of form in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, De Gea has now managed to keep back-to-back clean sheets after going through a 45-day period without one and this should give him the much-needed confidence going forward after he experienced another indifferent spell with Spain during the international break. United are scheduled to face Southampton on the road in their next Premier League clash this weekend.
Image – Getty
