Diogo Costa has already proven he can give Manchester United what Erik ten Hag needs

While Manchester City could afford to rotate one of the world's best goalkeepers in Ederson, Manchester United were left wondering whether a different stopper could have helped their FA Cup final ambitions.

The Reds were beaten 2-1 at Wembley over the weekend with Ilkay Gundogan scoring a brace, the second of which raised questions over David de Gea's ability between the posts. Plenty thought he could have done better and it added fuel to the fire that now is the time to move the Spaniard on.

He is out of contract this summer and while he's expected to sign fresh terms, Erik ten Hag will not guarantee him the No.1 jersey heading into the 2023-24 campaign. Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa has emerged as a potential target with reports suggesting United would not be put off by a hefty release clause.

ALSO READ: Porto goalkeeper Costa breaks silence on United transfer links

And while the 'keeper said he 'hopes to continue' at Porto, the speculation will continue over the Portugal No.1. Costa, 23, kept 16 clean sheets for his club this season including one in the domestic cup final against Braga on Sunday.

And as well as his shot-stopping ability, he possesses precisely what United want in a 'keeper given his ability with the ball at his feet. It's been the Ten Hag blueprint in his previous managerial jobs and the leading teams in Europe have players capable of offering a ball-playing option. It's certainly something Costa has embraced, as he outlined in an interview with Portuguese paper O Jogo earlier this season.

"Nowadays, in position, we try to be as complete as possible, play outside the posts and help in the initial construction of the team," he said. "Some are better between the posts, others more outside the goal