I agree that his distribution has regressed but not to the point that it is "horrendous". I would be very surprised if he went to Real. I expect him to renew his contract.
It goes without saying that a settled back 4 will be huge for him. It would be the same for any other goalkeeper. If Vidic and Ferdinand from a few years ago were playing today he would not be coming for that corner.
A commanding centre half is a must. De Gea is a very fine keeper, but coming for those kind of balls is never going to be his strength.