Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy has pledged his support to under fire goalkeeper David de Gea, describing the Spaniard as ‘one of the best’ he has seen.

Several high profile errors in recent months have raised concerns about De Gea’s status as United number one. His expiring contract has also been the source of debate about his future.

90min has previously reported that he has agreed a new deal on reduced terms, having decided against triggering an option that would extend his existing contract by 12 months instead.

This month, De Gea has shunned interest from Saudi Arabia in order to stay at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag wants competition in goal next season, potentially meaning an opportunity for academy graduate Matej Kovar after his impressive loan spell at Sparta Prague, but is keen for De Gea to sign.

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“You see how difficult the league is so I understand that everyone has a bad game here and there, but it doesn’t stop him from being one of the best goalkeepers I’ve seen and I’ve worked with. He is unbelievable,” McCarthy told South African radio station 947.

“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.”

McCarthy joined the United coaching staff last summer at the behest of Ten Hag. The retired South Africa international grew up a United fan and even lived locally during his time at Blackburn.

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This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd coach defends 'unbelievable' David de Gea.