Benni McCarthy believes it would be a "crime" if Manchester United lost David de Gea this summer.
De Gea, 32, is out of contract at the end of June but could sign another lucrative deal after winning the Premier League Golden Glove last month. The Spaniard kept 17 clean sheets in 38 matches as the Red Devils finished in third and qualified for the Champions League next season.
According to reports, De Gea was offered a big-money move to Saudi Arabia but has turned that down to commit his long-term future to United. An agreement between the shot-stopper and United is believed to be close, although Erik ten Hag is still keen to sign another goalkeeper with Diogo Costa and David Raya both linked.
Amid claims about De Gea's future, ex-striker and now United coach McCarthy admitted it would be a major blow if the Spaniard did leave. Speaking to 947 Joburg, he said: "He kept 17 clean sheets in the league. Yes, of course you're going to concede but to win the Golden Glove for yet another season is remarkable.
"You see how difficult the league is. I understand everyone has a bad game here and there but it doesn't stop him being one of the best goalkeepers I have seen or worked with. He is unbelievable.
"I get to see first hand more than what most people get to see. You see it only on a Saturday, you see a player make a mistake and the critics hit the roof. But I get to spend every single day with him and he is an unbelievable guy, a great lad, very intelligent and one of the best goalkeepers I have seen. It would be a crime if Man United lose a goalkeeper like David de Gea."
Ten Hag was asked about his goalkeeping situation in a recent interview with The Times. He said: "I will not say he’ll [De Gea] always be my No.1 because in a club like Manchester United there must be competition in all positions. You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions."
The former Atletico Madrid man's inability to play out convincingly from the back has led to constant speculation that he could be replaced, with Porto's highly-rated Costa believed to be on Manchester United's radar.
Ten Hag alluded to the fact that top goalkeepers need to be competent with the ball at their feet and able to play out effectively in the modern game. The Dutchman continued: "It's not what I want [top footwork], it's more what top football demands nowadays.
"If you observe teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back and use your keeper as a plus one. Otherwise, it's simple for opponents to put you under pressure." He continued. "He [De Gea] had to step up. In a number of games, he showed progression."
