Sayan Chatterjee
Solskjaer warns David de Gea he has to earn his place in Manchester United squad
Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned David de Gea that he will need to earn his place in the starting eleven after the Spaniard’s lacklustre display between the sticks in the 3-3 draw against Everton on Saturday.
The 30-year-old has come under scrutiny for being at fault for two of Everton’s three goals on the night as the Red Devils squandered their lead twice to lose valuable ground in the title race.
He parried weakly for Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal and then made a feeble attempt to stop Dominic Calvert-Lewin from netting the equaliser in injury time.
And Solskjaer has made it very clear that no one’s place in the squad is safe, pointing to stiff competition for places. (h/t Daily Mail)
“Every player has to earn his place. We’re a squad with competition and that applies to every single one in the team.”
This isn’t the first time that de Gea has evoked criticism for lacking authority between the sticks. The Spaniard was held responsible for Justin Kluivert’s goal in United’s 3-2 defeat against RB Leipzig in the Champions League back in December, ending the club’s hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds of the competition.
Dean Henderson is expected to replace de Gea on the teamsheet when United play host to West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup in midweek.
It remains to be seen whether Solskjaer tinkers with his selection by giving the young England international an opportunity to impress in United’s trip to West Brom in the PL on February 14.
More Manchester United News:
- Manchester United could block key superstar from being called up by national team
- Manchester United face serious Juventus threat to sign world-class 20-year-old star
- Liverpool legend expresses shock at Solskjaer’s comments regarding Man United title challenge
With the manager pointing to competition for places, de Gea could well see his status as the undisputed No.1 at Old Trafford come under serious threat as Henderson waits on the wings to make the spot his own.
