De Gea put pen to paper on a big United contract extension in the summer after previous interest from Juventus and PSG.
However, the Spain international has struggled for form, most recently toiling in a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on New Year’s Day.
De Gea has been struggling for the best part of a year, ever since his stunning display in a 1-0 victory away at Tottenham.
As well as Arsenal, he’s made errors against the likes of Watford, Barcelona, Chelsea and Cardiff over the last 12 months.
And The Athletic say that, behind the scenes, United feel the 29-year-old needs genuine competition.
In his first season at the club, the former Atletico Madrid star jostled with Anders Lindegaard for the No 1 jersey.
JUST IN: Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Fernandes agreed to talks, Woodward NOT involved
