On Monday, ESPN reported that Manchester United were considering meeting Jan Oblak’s release clause in order to bring the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper to Old Trafford this summer.
The transfer rumour spells trouble for United’s current goalkeeper, David De Gea, who once again made a mistake that cost his side dear in a big occasion this weekend.
Long regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, the Spanish international has been one of the few consistent star performers for Manchester United following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
When all else was falling apart on the pitch, Red Devils supporters could count on the 28-year-old to pull off outstanding saves and to keep the team in close matches with his brilliance.
At least until this season, that is. Following a particularly disappointing World Cup with Spain, the goalkeeper has made a series of shocking errors with United.
Against Chelsea, De Gea fumbled a speculative long-range effort that was easily savable. As a result, the rebound fell kindly to Marcos Alonso, who obligingly converted to gain a point for the Blues.
The mistake changed the dynamic of the game, and the resultant draw was a massive blow to Manchester United’s top four hopes as well as being a devastating personal error.
In De Gea’s defence, he has been playing behind a poor back four for much of the season, in a team beset by injuries.
But football is a brutal game, and it seems Manchester United are already prepared to move on from the out-of-form Spaniard and acquire Jan Oblak next season.
However, the reported enquiry may also hint that De Gea himself – whose long-term future is far from settled – is thinking about moving on and United are making sure they have a replacement lined up.
