David De Gea has his sights set on the Manchester United captaincy with a new deal to be signed at the club in the near future.
The Spanish goalkeeper is reported to have agreed a six year contract with the club worth around €130 million. He is expected to finalise the deal once United are back from their pre-season tour of China.
De Gea has made his intentions clear about wanting to captain the team with Ole Gunner Solskjaer still yet to decide who step in for United stalwart Antonio Valencia.
Speaking to reporters in Singapore airport De Gea said “I’ve been captain for some games. Of course, it is amazing to be captain of a club like Manchester United and defend this badge. It is amazing, so - of course - I’ll be really, really happy to captain."
“It is my ninth season, I feel like one of the most experienced players. I need to show that on the pitch and try to help the young guys know what Manchester United means and that is important."
With regard to the team, De Gea said: "We have to improve a lot. 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 again to the top.”
Solskjaer said he is likely to make his decision on the captaincy before their Premier League opener against Chelsea on August 11th.
Ashley Young is the current captain while there on tour, but Solskjaer believes that the pre-season gives him a chance to evaluate who the next captain should be.
Meanwhile, Juan Mata said he hopes Paul Pogba will remain at the club amid uncertainty over his future.
“I think he’s happy, he brings everyone together - as a teammate, and as a friend also, I would like him to stay," Mata said.
By Kenneth Fox
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