Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, suggested recruiting Brentford goalkeeper, David Raya, to give competition to David de Gea. David de Gea’s appearance in the 2022-2023 season is considered very promising for Manchester United. Of the 36 matches in all competitions, this goalkeeper from Spain was able to keep his net without conceding 16 times. Despite appearing solid under Man United’s crossbar, competition needs to be given so as not to overwhelm him.
De Gea experienced a decline in his performance in the 2021-2022 season. Hence, his position was replaced by Dean Henderson. However, this season, the goalkeeper was able to get up and instead sent Henderson on loan to Nottingham Forest because he was unable to compete.
Unfortunately, De Gea’s age, which is 32 years old, makes the potential for a decrease in performance if there is no competition. Gary Neville thinks David Raya will be the right competitor for De Gea at Old Trafford. “I think he can step up. I think Raya will interest United in the summer,” Neville said.
Raya has rejected a contract extension at Brentford twice. The 27-year-old goalkeeper said he would still focus on football before deciding his future next summer.
“I turned down two contracts, one last year and one this January. Those were not the offers we were looking for,” said Raya. “I can only say that. I want to focus on playing games and not think too much about my future. I have a contract here, so I’m willing to finish it, but you never know what will happen in the summer.”
“Maybe the club wants to sell, maybe not. Maybe I want to stay. I want to focus on football and see what happens. I have big ambitions. I want to play in Europe and want to fight to win titles. I want to fight to win the European title. I am confident to be able to play in that type of game,” Raya said ending.
Raya’s contract expires in 2024 and with his current abilities, a number of teams are starting to target her. Chelsea and Tottenham are the two teams that have been linked with this Barcelona-born player.
Since being purchased from Blackburn Rovers in 2019, Raya has become a figure that plays a major role in the Brentford squad. He became an important part of The Bees’ promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 2021.
From 146 matches in all competitions, Raya has kept 50 clean sheets. Raya also had the opportunity to debut in the Spanish national team in March 2022. His best achievement was being involved in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with La Furia Roja.
