Manchester United transfer news: David De Gea ‘not irreplaceable’ insists Edwin van der Sar

The Spanish goalkeeper could leave for free next summer when his contract runs out

Edwin van der Sar insists David De Gea is not irreplaceable at Manchester United as his contract winds down.

The former Dutch goalkeeper, current the chief executive at Ajax, has joined the debate over the Spaniard.

With De Gea able to leave for free next summer and officially open talks with clubs from January, Van der Sar has moved to calm any fears about De Gea being irreplaceable.

“The decision needs to come at a certain point,” Van der Sar said.

“It takes a long time now, so it’s a case of ‘yes’ or ‘no’, but I’m not a director of United.

“Other goalkeepers can also fill the gap. There are a few Premier League goalkeepers playing at the club who can also take the step up.

“I was 34 when I went to United. So there are lots of opportunities there.”

Van der Sar did leap to De Gea’s defence when questioned on the United No 1’s drop in form.

De Gea could leave for free next summer (AFP/Getty Images)

“No. That happened to me, it happened to Ryan Giggs also, to everyone,” Van der Sar insisted.

“Your form differs. He has been for so long at such a high level, so at a certain point it gets noticed, maybe not the first two times, but then people start to write about it. But he’ll be fine. He’s a great goalkeeper.”