The 2022/23 season was a significant step forward for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, but as every summer reminds us, progress doesn’t stop at securing a top-four finish or lifting a cup. A squad refresh is always around the corner, and Old Trafford is long overdue a bit of trimming.

In this four-part series, we’ll go through United’s squad position by position, deciding who should stay, who should go, and who might benefit from a loan spell.
Today, we begin between the sticks.

Goalkeepers

David de Gea – Sell/Release

This is the tricky one emotionally, but much less so from a footballing perspective.

De Gea has been an incredible servant to Manchester United for over a decade and, at his peak, genuinely world-class. But as of June 2023, his contract is days from expiring, he’s coming off a season defined by both Golden Glove highs and painful distribution-related lows, and the demands of Ten Hag’s system have grown increasingly incompatible with his limitations.

United’s preference for building from the back, plus the occasional high-profile error, suggests the time is right for a parting of ways. With no contract extension confirmed by this date, it makes footballing (and financial) sense to let him move on.

Verdict: Sell/Release

Tom Heaton – Keep

Tom Heaton has quietly become the type of player every squad needs: experienced, professional, and low-maintenance.

While he’s not expected to challenge for the No. 1 shirt, his value comes from stability. He’s homegrown, respected within the dressing room, and perfectly capable as a cup-rotation or emergency keeper. With United expected to bring in a new starting goalkeeper, having a reliable veteran like Heaton in the goalkeeper group is extremely useful.

Verdict: Keep

Dean Henderson – Sell

Henderson spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Nottingham Forest, and while he’s talented, it’s difficult to see him returning to Old Trafford with the expectation of being United’s No. 1. Henderson has already made clear that he wants regular first-team football, and after a somewhat dramatic exit last summer, plus Forest signing Keylor Navas on a short-term deal due to his injury, the relationship with United feels strained.

With his value still solid and several Premier League clubs likely interested, this is the right time for United to cash in.

Verdict: Sell

Nathan Bishop – Loan/Sell

Bishop has mostly been involved at U23 level and spent the 2022/23 season out on loan at Wycombe Wanderers. At 23, he needs consistent senior minutes if he’s to take the next step.

While he’s not expected to break into United’s first team, he’s a decent young goalkeeper who could either develop further through another loan or move permanently for a small fee.

Verdict: Loan (or Sell if a good offer comes)

Matej Kovář – Loan/Keep

Kovář impressed during his loan spell at Sparta Prague in 2022/23, even helping them win the Czech title. He’s clearly developing well, but a jump straight into United’s first-team picture would be premature.

Another season of senior football, ideally at a higher-level European club, could bring him closer to being a legitimate backup option in future seasons.

Verdict: Loan

Let us know your thoughts on these choices, and importantly who should United be looking at as possible replacements ahead of a big season at Old Trafford under Ten Hag.