The Spaniard's contract with the Red Devils comes to an end with the 2022-23 season, but there could be a glimmer of hope for those who want him to stay.

The end of an era could be approaching at Manchester United, as the team is having second thoughts about keeping David De Gea around beyond the end of the season.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who has guarded the team's net for the past eleven seasons, could become a free agent come January 1, 2023. While the club have the right to execute a clause that could extend De Gea's deal with them, the team's owners are having second-thoughts on this issue due to the player's massive wages.

Before the team took a paycut for their disappointing 2021-22 season, De Gea was one of the best-paid players in the team collecting over $380,000 a week. That number represents a problem for the team's finances, especially after revealing the club suffered a $124M loss in the team's earnings compared to the previous season. This fact alone has complicated the Spaniard's stay at Old Trafford.

If the clause in De Gea's deal is triggered by the Red Devils, the player's wage would be increased by 19%, which would represent a problem to Man United's execs. Hence, the team will have to weigh their options properly before making a final decision.

One of those options is trying to hire Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, England's No. 1 shot-stopper and who's contract with Everton expires when the 2023-24 season comes to an end. According to a report by The Telegraph, who have monitored Manchester United's interest in the shot-stopper, Everton may be keen on selling Pickford rather than watch him leave on a free transfer, which could work perfectly for the Red Devils' plans.

Either way, De Gea's departure from the team could become the end of a beloved era for Manchester United fans, as the shot-stopper is the only remaining member of Manchester United's most recent championship team. While it would be strange to see him leave on a free move, only time will tell if the Red Devils are capable to balance their sheets to make room for De Gea's mammoth new deal.