David de Gea could fund his own Manchester United replacement with £19.5million boost

Manchester United have had a year to decide what to do with David de Gea, and yet they remain in a mess created by their own indecisiveness.

The 32-year-old endured a mixed season under Erik ten Hag in which he was problem maker as often as problem solver. There were matches in which he single-handedly won his side points, and others when he threw them away.

De Gea is a divisive figure who continues to polarise the fanbase. There is no questioning his world-class ability to make reactionary saves, but even they are less frequent now, and so often they are acts of redemption after an earlier error led to the chance.

No matter where you stand in the debate, an answer will soon be found. De Gea's current contract expires at the end of next week, meaning there is a chance he has already played his final game for the club.

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The Manchester Evening News revealed last week that De Gea is increasingly likely to leave this summer as talks continue over his future. Club sources have reiterated that discussions are ongoing with the goalkeeper regarding a contract extension, but there is not currently a firm offer in place.

United remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached, though they admit the situation is not as positive as it was previously. This could have all been avoided if United really wanted it to be.

They had the option of triggering an additional year but opted against it, and that clause expired last month. Ten Hag retains an interest in keeping him around for a bit longer, but it would need to be on his terms. United want the experienced shot-stopper to agree to a lower wage and have already warned him there are no guarantees he will