Man Utd messed David de Gea around but ruthless Erik ten Hag's made the right call to get rid

There are two ways to interpret news that David De Gea is leaving Manchester United after 12 years after his contract expired at the end of June. The club did agree a renewal but then backed out and have now lost the stopper to free agency. At first glance, it looks like the latest demonstration of woeful mismanagement from a club that is being run into the ground by the Glazers amid a seemingly never-ending takeover saga.

What serious, top-level club agrees a new contract with a high-profile player and then refuses to sign it, before offering him a less lucrative deal just days before his current deal is due to expire? The optics are awful and it is no way to treat a loyal servant who has spent 12 years at United and got them out of jail time and time again, keeping a club record 190 clean sheets and playing more matches than any other goalkeeper in their history.

An alternative reading is that United are finally taking a tough but important decision that could lead to them signing a goalkeeper that truly fits with the way the team want and need to play if they are to truly return to the elite of English and European football. And if that means looking heartless, then so be it.