Aheed Abrar
Ben Foster predicts David de Gea to struggle in Manchester United goal under Erik ten Hag
Ben Foster has predicted Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will struggle in goal under Erik ten Hag. The former Red Devil doesn’t think the Dutch manager’s system suits the Spaniard.
De Gea has been a regular for United for many years now. The Spaniard had a shaky period but was back to his best last season. The 31-year-old was the first choice for both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
However, De Gea hasn’t looked his best at the start of the new season. And speaking to talkSPORT (h/t Metro), Foster predicts the Spaniard’s woes to continue in between the sticks. The shot-stopper, who was associated with United for five seasons, is worried about the 31-year-old playing out from the back.
“I can excuse the first goal, I really can. That’s just a mistake and everyone makes mistakes. It’s poor technique from him.
“The worrying thing for me though was after that, De Gea was still trying to play the ball out from the back.”
De Gea started in goal for the Red Devils against Brentford. The side conceded four goals before the halftime whistle. The Spaniard made an error for the first goal as he let a tame effort go into the net.
The 31-year-old went on to make other errors in the game. De Gea gave the ball away on several occasions. And in his effort to play short, the shot-stopper gave a wary pass to Christian Eriksen, which was then pounced upon by an opposition player who scored.
De Gea isn’t the best with his feet
Foster doesn’t feel De Gea is suited to play out from the back. While he considers the Spaniard one of the greatest goalkeepers of the generation, the former Watford star feels the 31-year-old isn’t meant for Ten Hag’s style of play.
“I think the problem with De Gea, and he’s a world class goalie and he is one of my favourite goalkeepers in the Premier league era, but he’s not suited to playing it out from the back. He’s not suited to the type of football Ten Hag wants to play.
“If Ten Hag wants to play this style of football they are going to get caught out like they did against Brentford.”
De Gea has been one of United’s best servants over the years. The former Atletico Madrid star was one of the few bright sparks in the previous campaign. He helped United keep the scorelines close.
However, the Spaniard has looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. De Gea’s distribution leaves a lot to be desired. The 31-year-old even struggled in the Brighton & Hove Albion fixture.
More Manchester United News
- Erik ten Hag provides injury updates on Manchester United duo Martial and Lindelof ahead of Liverpool clash
- Atletico Madrid forward Yannick Carrasco identified as target to strengthen Manchester United attack
- Manchester United declined opportunity to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie after Adrien Rabiot deal collapsed
With De Gea seemingly being the first choice for now, it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag persists with his idea of playing short. It’ll be interesting to see what the Dutch manager does if the Spaniard continues to have a hard time in goal.
