Why Manchester United might consider surprise transfer for Jordan Pickford

While David De Gea's dedication to Manchester United over his nine-year tenure is unrivalled, his inability to comfortably play out from the back has prompted questions about his future at the club.

Despite Erik Ten Hag's insistence that the Spaniard can fit his contemporary sweeper keeper model, poor passing and decision-making left De Gea exposed to the high press and at fault for multiple goals against Brighton and Brentford at the beginning of the Premier League season. While United's form has since improved, a byproduct of De Gea's approach is that the side's tactics in the games they have won have been left resembling the counter-attacking style of the club under previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, often relying on the pace of players such as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

While this has proven successful, with the team looking for their fifth win in a row in the derby on Sunday, historically, it has proven unsustainable for sides hoping to contend for a title. Therefore, if United plan on introducing Ten Hag's preferred style of fast-paced, possession football, they must look for a new goalkeeper who is comfortable on the ball and capable of pushing up and forcing a high defensive line.

READ MORE: United handed good omen ahead of derby against rivals Man City

The Telegraph reports that one such option United are considering is England’s No1 Jordan Pickford, who started the campaign in outstanding form and has arguably been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League so far this season. The Englishman has already clocked up one assist as well, setting up Everton teammate Demarai Gray against Nottingham Forest.

Pickford's passing ability has been seen as a vital part of his game and he possesses the capacity