Pep Guardiola has appeared to suggest Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea predominantly plays 'long balls'.
De Gea is out of contract at Old Trafford from July 1 and an announcement of an extension is expected imminently, but many feel the Spaniard should be let go this summer due to concerns over his ability to play out from the back.
The 32-year-old has received intense scrutiny over his role as No.1 in recent months. De Gea was at fault against Sevilla, West Ham and Manchester City in the FA Cup final and he's received criticism from fans and pundits.
De Gea won Premier League's Golden Glove award this season but that hasn't shielded him from uncertainty around his future.
ALSO READ: Guardiola reveals Ferguson text before Champions League final
The Champions League league final on Saturday saw two goalkeepers, Ederson and Andre Onana, who are comfortable with the ball at their feet earn plaudits and there is a feeling Erik ten Hag needs a similar stopper for his rebuild.
In the build-up to the final in Istanbul, Guardiola sat down with CBS Sports and he mentioned United in his analysis. The City boss was discussing goalkeepers and he suggested United predominantly play long balls to Marcus Rashford.
"The back five [for Inter] are wide, when you make a switch of play it’s more difficult to get it, with five it’s more difficult," Guardiola said. "Inter is not just the strikers and five at the back – the keeper for a long time we didn’t see something like this with Onana.
"It’s difficult when you have that keeper to high press properly. If you are man-to-man they link to the striker with [Romelu] Lukaku, Lautaro [Martinez] and [Edin] Dzeko, they are masters of keeping the ball.
"With United, for example, it’s long ball, with Rashford and the other one, they don’t keep it. These guys [Inter] they keep it. And after they link it they run. That’s why you’ve got to think about what to do.
"With the ball, wow, they [Inter] are really, really, really good, that is why they are in the Champions League final."
READ MORE:
