Gary Neville tips Brentford goalkeeper David Raya to step up and replace David de Gea

Gary Neville has identified the player who would be the perfect replacement for Manchester United’s David de Gea once the goalkeeper leaves the club.

Former United title-winning full-back Neville believes Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has the attributes to thrive at Old Trafford and would ‘interest’ Erik ten Hag in the summer.

De Gea became the club’s all-time clean sheet record holder after managing to hold off Newcastle attackers in United’s Carabao Cup final win on Sunday.

But regardless of the ongoing talks to extend his contract which currently expires in the summer, Neville has revealed that the club could start looking for replacements now.

“I think United would be interested in Raya in the summer,” Neville said. the overlap.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya (left) would ‘interest’ Manchester United according to Gary Neville

Current United goalkeeper David de Gea (left) is in talks over a new deal, while Raya (right) is likely to leave Brentford in the summer.

‘I went to see Brentford a couple of weeks ago… I think he will be available, he only has a year to go. I think I could step up.

Raya has starred so far for Brentford this season, managing eight Premier League clean sheets, the fourth best in the division and recently turning down two contract offers from the Bees amid interest elsewhere.

His effort between the sticks has helped them to ninth in the English top flight, having featured in every league game for the club this season.

The 27-year-old joined Brentford from Blackburn in 2019 and would represent an experienced player who United hope will be available at a reduced price given his age.

Neville believes he could be one Spaniard to another and also highlighted the pressures goalkeepers face at a club the size of United.

‘It’s a problem that. I have said that the most difficult position in English football is that of goalkeeper for Manchester United. I really believe that.

De Gea (yellow) has been United’s number one for the last 12 years after emerging as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Raya has been a star for Brentford this season and has played every league game in the club’s rise to ninth in the Premier League standings.

Neville thinks Raya could ‘step up’ if he moves to Man United in the summer

“I think Liverpool’s number one is second. And that’s not to disrespect all the other clubs, I think the Manchester United goalkeeper is under more scrutiny if he makes a mistake than any other position in English football on the pitch.

‘It’s hard! And I’ve seen boys on that target [struggle]. That is the problem they have. is if [a new goalkeeper] can with that stadium’, he added.

De Gea is likely to extend his contract at United as he and other teammates have improved since Ten Hag took charge of the club in the summer.

However, this is unlikely to be a long-term deal given his age, as Raya was previously linked with the Red Devils and is likely to leave Brentford at the end of the season.