Jose Mourinho has revealed for the first time his fears over Manchester United’s ability to keep hold of David de Gea.
The Spanish international is out of contract at the end of the season – but United intend to trigger a 12-month option, which will take him to 2020.
Despite negotiations with the De Gea’s advisors in recent weeks, the goalkeeper is still to agree to a new long-term deal, with his own ambitions to win major honours believed to be a key factor.
And Mourinho has added to the uncertainty over his future, saying: “I am not confident. I cannot find the word in English, but let’s see what happens.”
In an interview with Sky Sports, United’s manager added: “Only the club, David and his people can answer that.
“My comment is only that everyone knows how good he is, how important he is for Manchester United and, if the club want to be better than it is and not worse, obviously it would be very important to keep David.”
United have made moves to secure the futures of a host of key players in recent months – handing Luke Shaw a new five-year deal this month and making progress over an extension for Anthony Martial.
De Gea is considered among the top priorities for executive vice chairman Ed Woodward and head of corporate development Matt Judge, who conducts contract negotiations.
They wanted his deal to be finalised before the need to trigger his option – but it is becoming increasingly likely they will have to do that just to protect their asset, with talks ongoing.
Juventus are the latest club to be linked with 27-year-old after years of interest from Real Madrid.
United were convinced Thibaut Courtois’ summer move from Chelsea to Real had ended the uncertainty over De Gea’s future – and sources were confident he was ready to commit the best years of his career to Old Trafford.
But the club’s troubled start to the season, leaving them with a fight just to qualify for the Champions League, has prompted the keeper to consider his long-term options.
