'Very cruel' - Manchester United told why David de Gea criticism could be unjust

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes David de Gea's recent form has overshadowed how important he has been at Old Trafford.

MEN Sport understands Erik ten Hag wants to extend De Gea's contract beyond the summer when it expires. The Reds wish to reduce his £375,000 per week wage and are confident a deal can be reached.

However, there are growing concerns the Spaniard may not be suitable to be first choice, particularly after his mistake last weekend in the 1-0 defeat to West Ham. The Manchester Evening News believes Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is on the club's radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

ALSO READ: United interested in Verbruggen

Speaking exclusively to MEN Sport, Yorke thinks the criticism aimed at De Gea has been particularly cruel recently. "It's very cruel when we judge the goalkeeper role nowadays," he said.

"If you make a mistake, the scrutiny is unbearable. You have to think about the amount of saves David de Gea has made over the past few years and how he's been Manchester United's best player for consecutive seasons in the 12 years he's been there.

"But when you're not producing the goods in crucial moments, there will always be question marks. De Gea has been a great servant for Manchester United, but when you make those mistakes then the goalkeeper position is up for grabs."

It has been suggested Dean Henderson could return to United to take over from De Gea following the conclusion of his Nottingham Forest loan. The Englishman has now been told he must seize the opportunity upon his return.

"Dean Henderson has been an understudy for a few years, he's not playing at Nottingham Forest [due to injury] so now it's an opportunity for him to come back and play," Yorke