David De Gea, Manchester United Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has agreed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2019.

The Red Devils provided confirmation on Friday:

The Spanish international told United's official website that he was thrilled to be committing his future to the club after a turbulent few months:

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I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career. I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career. I’m looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful.

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Manager Louis van Gaal also told the official website he was happy with the extension and that he expected De Gea to stay at Old Trafford for a long time:

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I am absolutely delighted David has signed a new contract. He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football. I am very pleased that he will be part of the team for many years to come. David made a very important contribution to our performance last season and he has been the club’s Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He is a popular player who is keen to learn and enhance his game. At such a young age for a goalkeeper, he has many years ahead of him.

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De Gea, who was signed from Atletico Madrid in 2011, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers, and the news will come as a great relief to United supporters after plenty of speculation about his future; a proposed move to Real Madrid fell through in the final minutes of the summer transfer window.

While De Gea initially struggled to settle amid the robust landscape of top-flight English football, he has gone on to become an immovable figure between the sticks for the Red Devils.

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The Spaniard showcased some major refinements in his game last season, not only bailing out United’s ropey defence with stunning saves, but also providing a commanding presence at the base of manager Louis van Gaal's side.

His immaculate form in 2014-15 saw him voted as the Red Devils Players' Player of the Year for the second successive season, per the club's official Twitter feed.

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After so much hype about a transfer, a renewed commitment is encouraging for United. While the club seemingly have the financial clout to go out and sign the majority of players in world football, stability is key for their eventual progression—especially at the back. De Gea’s commitment to the cause now provides the Red Devils with an assured presence to build upon.

Rumours will continue to surface, and it would be naive to think that this new deal means other juggernauts of European football won’t come asking about the player.

But this contract extension will do plenty to put minds at ease at Old Trafford; either De Gea is with the club for a long time yet or they can command an astronomical fee for his services.