Dimitar Berbatov believes Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should stick with goalkeeper David de Gea.
The Spanish stopper, 32, has faced criticism since Ten Hag was appointed by the Red Devils a year ago. Many fans believe De Gea is not good enough with the ball at his feet, while Roy Keane has told Ten Hag he has "got to get a new goalkeeper" this summer.
Yet De Gea's CV speaks for itself. United's No.1 has played 545 games for the club during his 11-year spell and won eight trophies. He also kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League last season, winning the division's Save of the Month award in February.
De Gea's contract expires later this month and talks are ongoing over a new deal, with United unwilling to extend his £375,000-a-week contract. Ten Hag is thought to have offered the goalkeeper £200,000-a-week, which is still a relatively handsome salary.
Speaking after United's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City earlier this month, ITV pundit Keane said: "United have got to get a new goalkeeper. They need a world-class striker and a new goalkeeper. They need some other players and some strength in depth.
"But they need a new goalkeeper and a world-class striker. I'm sick of saying it. For Man Utd, they need a world-class goalkeeper and he isn't."
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Berbatov was asked for his opinion on Ten Hag's goalkeeping conundrum during an interview with Betfred. He said: "Based on what he’s given to the club over the last decade and more, I don’t believe he gets enough credit for everything he’s done."
Berbatov, who played for United between 2008 and 2012, was De Gea's team-mate during his final season at Old Trafford. He added: "Everybody makes mistakes and David has been one of the best goalkeepers over the past ten years.
"It’s normal to make mistakes and I don’t believe that many people remember all the great things he’s done for Manchester United and ultimately, I don’t believe he gets enough respect.
"I think he needs to stay and try to be better than he was last season. Everybody’s focused on whether he’s good enough at using the ball with his feet and it’s very clear that it’s an area he needs to work on, but in my opinion, he needs to stay.
"If David and the manager decide to part ways, then there’s always that time in your career when a new challenge arises, that allows you to start again as new and it refreshes you. This could be the case, but we just have to wait to find out."
United are expected to swoop for Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, 29, if De Gea leaves the club, with the Englishman valued at £45million. Brentford's 27-year-old stopper David Raya, who is a target for Tottenham, is another option at the same price.
