David de Gea’s long-term deal, which he signed in 2019, is getting close to its conclusion, which means that Manchester United will need to make a decision regarding its goalkeeper in the not too distant future.

This contract, which made him the highest paid player for United, is slated to expire at the end of the current season, and there have been few indications that an extension is close to being agreed upon.

There were even speculations that Erik ten Hag was interested in replacing David de Gea this summer, but the Dutchman decided to stick with the Spaniard, and the trust that he placed in De Gea has been repaid thus far in this season.

Diogo Costa, a top goalkeeper for both Porto and Portugal, has been mentioned in connection with a move to Manchester United more often than any of the other keepers who have been mentioned in connection with a move to United during the past few months.

The veteran goalkeeper Rui Patricio has been ultimately supplanted as Portugal’s starting goalkeeper after the young shot-stopper has been in outstanding form this season. The young shot-stopper is now the first-choice goalkeeper for Portugal.

Costa did not have the ideal World Cup campaign, though, as his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Morocco after suffering a 1-0 loss against them. As a result, Costa’s side did not advance further in the tournament. Costa was partially at blame for the goal that proved to be the game-winner, and his tense performances have sparked arguments among fans.

A journalist and expert on player transfers named Fabrizio Romano disclosed earlier this year that United had sent scouts to study Costa, indicating that the club was interested in signing him.

Now, it has been reported by a Portuguese news outlet called A Bola, which was picked up by ManUtdNews.com, that despite Costa’s difficult season in Qatar, the Old Trafford club is continuing to show interest in signing him.

According to the source, United’s interest in the 23-year-old is not the only one being shown in the player; Premier League rivals Chelsea and La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are also keeping an eye on him.

The future of De Gea at Manchester United will determine whether or not the club pursues Costa or any other goalkeeper. It is quite doubtful that he will extend his current contract without the assurance that he will continue to be the team’s primary goalkeeper.

It will be interesting to see how things develop for Dean Henderson, so keep a watch on that. Although the England international is having success while playing on loan for Nottingham Forest, it is unlikely that Ten Hag will compensate for his loss by making an investment.

Why Erik ten Hag and Robin van Persie are back at Manchester United this week

This week, Robin van Persie is back at Manchester United to finish off his coaching credentials.

On Monday night, Van Persie, United manager Erik ten Hag, and their agent Kees Vos had dinner at the Spinningfields Chinese eatery Tattu.

After a three-hour meal, Ten Hag, Van Persie, and Vos were seen conversing as they strolled through the heart of Manchester.

Van Persie, who serves as the Feyenoord assistant coach, is reportedly spending time at United’s Carrington training facility as he gets ready for what could be a management career.

United officials have made it clear that Van Persie is not in the running to join their coaching staff and that Ten Hag is merely helping a club friend advance his career.

Mitchell van der Gaag, Steve McClaren, and performance analyst Kevin Keij support Ten Hag as he makes his way from Ajax to United.

Van Persie made a £24 million transfer from Arsenal to United in 2012, and his 26 Premier League goals that year were crucial to United’s only other championship win.

The Dutchman played for United for three seasons, scoring 58 goals in 105 games, before being given permission to move Fenerbahce a year before the end of his contract.

Despite United’s infamous failure to tweet about Van Persie’s departure, the former Arsenal striker made a triumphant return to Old Trafford in 2016 and was greeted with a standing ovation after scoring for Fenerbahce in a 4-1 Europa League loss.

The last United player to reach 30 goals in a season was Van Persie.