David De Gea says he will guide Manchester United’s younger squad members next season by way of example more than words of advice.
The goalkeeper was named the club’s Players’ Player of the Season for his top class displays, which saved the team slipping further down the table. The Spaniard has now been at the club for 11 years and will be the first team’s longest serving player should Phil Jones leave this summer.
De Gea was in between the sticks the last time United won the Premier League in 2013 and has since lifted the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup. Despite his experience, though, it seems he will not be travelling to the World Cup with the Spain squad after head coach Jose Enrique’s latest goalkeeper comments.
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Nevertheless, United’s youngsters can still draw on his senior expertise. The likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Charlie Savage and Hannibal Mejbri were handed their first team debuts this season, following in the footsteps of Anthony Elanga who is now considered a regular.
Those players, along with James Garner, will be hoping for more opportunities under Erik ten Hag. Speaking to in-house media, De Gea explained how he approaches nurturing young blood in the first team.
“As an experienced player in the squad, [I try] to give advice to the younger players,” he said. “I give 100 per cent every day in training [and] in games, to try to be an example for everyone.”
He added: “[I] think it is not just about talking and giving advice to the boys. It’s the way you work, the way you treat people in the club, the way you train, the way you play. I think this is even more important than words.”
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