David De Gea now ranks #1 for most Premier League minutes played of all-time

David De Gea broke a major Premier League record in Manchester United’s defeat against Aston Villa. The Spaniard is now the player with the most minutes on the pitch in the English top flight, with 35,039 minutes played. 

He overtook another goalkeeper, Ben Foster, who had played for 34,959 minutes before retiring very recently. Despite achieving a huge milestone in his career, he wasn’t able to seal it with a clean sheet, conceding three goals as United were beaten on the road. 

David De Gea has played the most minutes in the Premier League 

De Gea was brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 for £19 million, and he has been the first-choice between the posts since Edwin van der Sar retired. However, his ability to retain his role has dipped in the last few years. 

His contract runs out at the end of the season, and he is yet to agree fresh terms with Manchester United. However, there is an option to extend David De Gea’s deal for a further year which the club can activate. 

Several newer options have been linked with the Red Devils in recent weeks, including Porto’s Diogo Costa, who signed a new contract with the Portuguese club. The 32-year-old can still pull out the best of saves, but his ball-playing abilities have often been a cause for criticism. It now remains to be seen whether United will opt for a new goalkeeper or continue with the club icon.