David de Gea didn't know what to expect when Erik ten Hag was appointed as Manchester United's manager in April. The Dutchman wants his goalkeepers to be comfortable with the ball and that meant De Gea's future at Old Trafford was not guaranteed.
Although there were doubts about whether De Gea would align with Ten Hag's long-term vision, the Spaniard was in a strong position after an excellent season, in which he was named Players' Player of the Year. De Gea's importance to the squad was strengthened throughout that nightmare campaign and it would have been foolish for the newly appointed manager to sell him so quickly.
De Gea had earned the opportunity to start the season as Ten Hag's first-choice goalkeeper, but he was aware of the point he needed to prove during the campaign, as he needed to improve with the ball and was entering the final year of his contract.
