Benni McCarthy has now jumped to the defence of a heavily criticised Manchester United star amid claims the player's future at the club is uncertain.
With the 2022/23 season done and dusted for United, the Premier League giants are believed to have turned their sights to transfers, with several positions expected to be strengthened.
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Believed to be among those is the goalkeeping department, with reports suggesting that current club No. 1 David de Gea could leave Old Trafford or be demoted to being a back-up following a number of notable errors during the latest campaign.
Brentford's David Raya and FC Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa are reportedly being considered as a potential replacement, with the latter having already seemingly made his feelings about a potential move to Manchester known.
De Gea, meanwhile, is said to have been offered a new contract that includes a reduced salary from his current wages of £375 000 (R8.8 million) a week, but the Spaniard is yet to put pen to paper on the deal.
With a lot of criticism having come the ex-Atletico Madrid shot-stopper's way in recent months, United striker coach McCarthy has now jumped to the Spaniard's defence, insisting that "it would be a crime" to part ways with the 32-year-old.
"He kept 17 clean sheets in the league. Yes, of course you're going to concede but to win the Golden Glove for yet another season is remarkable," the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League winner told 947 Joburg.
"You see how difficult the league is. I understand everyone has a bad game here and there but it doesn't stop him being one of the best goalkeepers I have seen or worked with. He is unbelievable.
"I get to see first-hand more than what most people get to see. You see it only on a Saturday, you see a player make a mistake and the critics hit the roof.
"But I get to spend every single day with him and he is an unbelievable guy, a great lad, very intelligent and one of the best goalkeepers I have seen.
"It would be a crime if Man United lose a goalkeeper like David de Gea."
Meanwhile, manager Erik ten Hag recently hinted that competition could be brought in for De Gea ahead of next season.
Asked if the keeper will stay at United, he said, per the Daily Mail: "Yes, but I will not say he'll always be my No. 1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions.
"You can't do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions."
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