Manchester United would not have let David de Gea go 'in any other era' – Rio Ferdinand exclusive

Rio Ferdinand believes that David de Gea would not have been released by Manchester United in “any other era” but this one.

De Gea left United as a free agent this summer after joining in 2011 from Atletico Madrid, and after some initial struggles he became one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

However, while he was never the best with the ball at his feet, his exceptional shot-stopping consistency deserted him in recent seasons and Erik ten Hag was not prepared to sanction a contract extension with the Spaniard. De Gea is now searching for a new club.

In his place, United have brought in Ten Hag’s former Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan.

Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: “I think they’ll miss him. He’s arguably the best shot-stopper around, won the Golden Glove last year. So, I don’t think in any other era would the keeper that won the Golden Glove be relieved of his duties at a football club.

"But the way that the game’s going now, in wanting the goalkeeper to be attached to the 10 outfield players and be a footballer now, that’s why we’re in that situation.

“They brought in a goalkeeper whose one of his best attributes is his footballing ability, the ability to play over various distances, comfortable on the ball, wants to be a part of the footballing side of the team, and that's a huge part of what Erik ten Hag wants from his goalkeeper, so I understand that decision.”

Discussing De Gea’s standing in the pantheon of United goalkeeping history, Ferdiand added: “In recent times it goes Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar as the standouts, and I think he sits just below that.”

Ferdinand also said that United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was the obvious pick to replace Harry Maguire as club captain.

The Portugal international has been one of United’s most consistent and impressive performers since his arrival in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon, while Maguire has been strongly linked with a move away from the club.

He said: “I don’t think it’s a difficult decision, who else are they going to pick? Whose output has been as great as his? All the good things at United he’s been a part of, and he’s one of the players who is always going to start a game, so I don’t think it’s a surprise.”

Ferdinand has tipped United and last year's runners-up Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, to challenge champions Manchester City in the upcoming season, with no mention of 2019/20 winners Liverpool.

“Man United and Arsenal, two challengers. If anyone’s going to get close to them [Man City], it’ll be those two,” he suggested.

“I still think there’s a difference between Manchester United and Manchester City: on the pitch and off the pitch. But I think Manchester United are going in the right direction. I think you can see how they have approached the transfer window, it's been very decisive and forthright."

Joining Onana through the door at United is Mason Mount from Chelsea and former defender Jonny Evans, who has signed a short-term contract.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have broken their transfer record to sign Declan Rice from West Ham for £105 million, Kai Havertz from Chelsea and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. Their Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday is live on TNT Sports.

Ferdinand said: “They [United] have executed on three very good players who are going to improve the squad no doubt, potentially another one coming in after that, we'll have to wait and see. And I think Arsenal have done the same. They have recruited superbly well in this window. Three very good players who are not only going to improve the squad but the starting XI.

"They’ll go close this season but as for City, I don't think anyone is going to pip them to the title.”

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest will be live on TNT Sports 1 from 11.30am on Saturday, August 12.

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