David de Gea has insisted he is happy at Manchester United despite reportedly turning down a contract offer from the club.
The Spaniard is entering the final few months of his current deal, and reports earlier this week suggested he had rejected the club's opening approach for fresh terms.
One of the club's best paid players, De Gea is on a reported £375,000 per week and United are keen to reduce that as they seek to bring squad wages more in line after years of chronic overspending.
Despite the reports, De Gea maintained he is happy in the north-west, outlining his love for the club he first joined as a wide-eyed youngster under Sir Alex Ferguson.
'I’ve been here many many years, enjoying every moment in this club playing many games,' De Gea told Sky Sports. 'Of course it's great to be here, it's a massive club and I love the club and I’m really happy here of course.
'It's been the same over the years, there's a lot of noise around the club but players just focus on games, especially the one we have one Sunday - a massive game for us because we want to finish in the top four.
'Like I say, we have many many games so I think we have to be really really caring on training, recovering well, helping the team and that's the most important thing, more than contracts or anything.'
Despite initial fears that he would not be suited to Erik ten Hag's style, De Gea has underlined his importance to United with a series of impressive performances in recent weeks and months.
The Athletic's report claiming De Gea had rejected fresh terms suggests he received a good proposal but the goalkeeper believes his form and match-winning contributions demonstrate he is still one of the Red Devils' most important players and an appropriate salary should be paid.
While De Gea has failed to convince at times when playing out from the back, Ten Hag is known as a pragmatic coach who has learned to appreciate the keeper's worth while acknowledging that his distribution is something that he continues to work on.
As a result, instructions have been adapted accordingly and after a particularly erratic display of distribution in their 4-1 win over Real Betis earlier this month, he provided his support to De Gea.
Ten Hag said: 'I can’t ignore (his kicking), but we have seen many games (where) he did really well.
'David is working on that. He is improving and he will keep improving, I’m sure.'
United's goalkeeping situation has been one of tumult this season, with Martin Dubravka returning to parent club Newcastle United having not gained the playing time he wanted while on loan with United.
De Gea joined from Spanish club Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has since made over 500 appearances for the club. Winning the Premier League title in his second season, the Spaniard has since gone on to claim a host of other prizes, including the Europa League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.
Leolion111
0
I love you too David De Gea I can’t forget all the saves you’ve saved for us thank you and I hope everything work out fine between you and the club because we still need you no matter who’s coming
lbcrna
0
You don’t appreciate what you have until you loose it. De Gea has been always there through thick and thin, he’s still playing at the top level. You don’t need a shot stopper anymore but a goalkeeper who can kick a ball? And when the one who can kick a ball can’t stop shots then you criticize him again?
we can still get a goalkeeper who is good with the ball and still a good short stopper
Vaaaben
0
DDG will stay. We can't ignore the fact that he has been our saviour. Now that we have got our defense settled, we need not new GK. Instead just extend his contract by 3+1 years. He will sign at 3 mil per week.
Adebayorfunds
0
He loves the club but still he want more money after 375k lol that’s a joke ..
pythagorasofficial
2
Manchester United need to try something new we need a complete goalkeeper not a short stopper. he. de Gea makes lots of save but today goalkeepers are required to do more than just that. I'm sick and tired of seeing de Gea every week in our goal thank you David de Gea for everything you have done to this club .
You don’t appreciate what you have until you loose it. De Gea has been always there through thick and thin, he’s still playing at the top level. You don’t need a shot stopper anymore but a goalkeeper who can kick a ball? And when the one who can kick a ball can’t stop shots then you criticize him again?
Vasdeilprs
0
Are you the new owner
yes iam
Zico_711
0
I don't even see any modern keepers these days better than de Gea
No degea in top 20 you know nothing drunken master
Zico_711
0
I don't even see any modern keepers these days better than de Gea
Dey play he’s not even top ten in Europe 👅👅👅
Razacdiln
0
Cuz they’re paying You plenty money olodo
I don't even see any modern keepers these days better than de Gea
dauabcituy
0
I get you there, but I still think this principle is good coz you'll now be attracting players who loves to play for the club more than loving money. See how some good players who are playing for Barca and also some who knows the situation at Camp Nou but still they are offering themselves to play for club at pay cut.
They're very few if we're being honest Football itself has now been turned to a business, a very good example the Glazers
lbcrna
0
He is doing really well bro
David de Gea is just a short stopper not a complete modern day goalkeeper cos today goalkeepers are expected to bring peace and calmness to the team and keep possession lots of physical presence, ,help the team in starting attack from the back, de Gea lack most of this key attribute
lbcrna
0
Manchester United need to try something new we need a complete goalkeeper not a short stopper. he. de Gea makes lots of save but today goalkeepers are required to do more than just that. I'm sick and tired of seeing de Gea every week in our goal thank you David de Gea for everything you have done to this club .
ephraimpara85
0
Am contemplating whether the principle of not exceeding 200,000 pay check is a good idea. I think many players will prefer to go to other clubs who will pay more than 200,000. Remember football nowadays is money money money and no one will ignore that. Erik and his team should reconsider their decision or else no high profile will commit to this decision. PAY THE FOOTBALLER WHO DESERVES MORE THAN 200,000
I get you there, but I still think this principle is good coz you'll now be attracting players who loves to play for the club more than loving money. See how some good players who are playing for Barca and also some who knows the situation at Camp Nou but still they are offering themselves to play for club at pay cut.
Phobiaking
0
Too late for him, that Carabao for this year is his final trophy
Lol somebody is in pain hahaha 🤣
Powbcikln
0
Am contemplating whether the principle of not exceeding 200,000 pay check is a good idea. I think many players will prefer to go to other clubs who will pay more than 200,000. Remember football nowadays is money money money and no one will ignore that. Erik and his team should reconsider their decision or else no high profile will commit to this decision. PAY THE FOOTBALLER WHO DESERVES MORE THAN 200,000
General002
0
200k - 2 year contract, otherwise he can go
Are you the new owner
General002
0
If DeGea wants to win champions league, then he MUST leave ManUre.
Too late for him, that Carabao for this year is his final trophy
Sihdeinptz
1
who wouldn't with that wage
DesBabyJane
0
If DeGea wants to win champions league, then he MUST leave ManUre.
You should leave this world. My son
Mepalmsy
0
200k - 2 year contract, otherwise he can go
He is not going anywhere
Naycdknr
1
If DeGea wants to win champions league, then he MUST leave ManUre.
donjoemerald
4
And we love you too David da save.
bukai26
0
Good decision. Let the new ownership of UTD come onboard. All UTD players should sign deals after that.
Vasdeilprs
0
200k - 2 year contract, otherwise he can go
ManUnited-Red
1
His time is coming is tho😕
NAFRIENDEM
1
I know that u r happy. That's my boy
TommyTang
3
Keep his salary but a shorter 2 years contract with options to extend 1 more year. For GKs age doesn’t matter that much but experience and reflexes is more important. The team can cover some of his other shortcomings. With younger CB and wing backs, a super DM like Case, things will be ok. They should look for a good upon GK to back & understudy DDG. DH is too established to play that role.
Oldroger
4
I still say my own De Gea has been very productive, Manchester United should find a way to make him happy, cause he never forced them to pay him that in the first place
Kkrexuke
3
Never thought I would witness de gea playing sweeper gk. This season he has done it regularly off his line to claim and challenge the opposing striker or sweeping the ball from the opponents long kick.
Razacdiln
0
Cuz they’re paying You plenty money olodo
He is doing really well bro
Zico_711
0
Cuz they’re paying You plenty money olodo