De Gea: I’d love to be the captain of United
DAVID De GeA wants to be Manchester United captain after committing his long-term future to the club.
De Gea will sign a £375,000-aweek contract until 2025 when United return from their pre- season tour, ending speculation he could leave Old Trafford as a free agent next summer.
The Spain goalkeeper is a candidate to become United’s permanent captain after being handed the armband on several occasions in the past, and says he would welcome the honour.
‘I’ve been captain for some games and, of course, it is amazing to be captain of a club like Manchester United and defend this badge,’ said De Gea before United left Singapore for Shanghai.
United have won their first three games on tour against Perth Glory, Leeds United and Inter Milan, ahead of Thursday’s International Champions Cup clash with Tottenham in Shanghai, and confidence is high that they will be much stronger this season. ‘We have to improve a lot,’ added De Gea. ‘We are Manchester United, we need to fight for trophies.
‘When you put on this badge, that’s what it means: fight for everything, give your best and bring the team back to the top.’
Left back Luke Shaw is also desperate to make up for United’s poor displays last term.
‘Last season was so hurtful for everyone,’ said Shaw, 23. ‘I know the fans were really hurt, but as a team we were very hurt.
‘You couldn’t really enjoy your holidays when you see the Champions League final and the europa League final and they’re all english teams.
‘It makes you feel even worse, especially the way the finals went! None of us want that to happen again. They won’t have it as easy as last season.’
Meanwhile, Nicky Butt has been appointed Manchester United’s head of first-team development.
The 44-year- old, who made 387 appearances for United, had been head of the club’s academy but will now report to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.