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Paul Scholes slams David de Gea after Sevilla batter Manchester United
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes feels David de Gea could have made a better decision before the team conceded the first goal against Sevilla.
The Red Devils visited the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan Stadium on Thursday (20 April) in the Europa League. After the first leg of the quarter-finals ended in a disappointing draw, the Old Trafford side needed a reaction in Spain.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. United conceded in the opening minutes after a pass from De Gea to Harry Maguire, who was immediately closed down by three Sevilla players. Subsequently, the centre-back gave the ball away and Youssef En-Nesyri found the back of the net.
Speaking on BT Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News), Scholes, who spent his entire playing career at the Old Trafford side, felt the goalkeeper should not have played the ball to the English defender.
“David de Gea has been a fantastic goalkeeper, but he is not a fantastic footballer. We saw the pass he played into Harry Maguire.
“Regardless of whether the manager wants him to play, read the situation. He needed to read what was going on.”
With the advantage, the La Liga outfit were all over us and pressed higher up the pitch for most of the match. The Red Devils were lucky to go into the half with just a one-goal deficit.
Unfortunately, straight after the break, the Spanish side doubled their lead from a corner. Loic Bade was a bit fortunate as the ball came off his shoulder and found the back of the net.
Thereafter, United played with a bit more urgency. However, it was too little too late for the Red Devils. We were unable to create any meaningful chances in the second half.
Then, in the 81st minute, Sevilla got their third goal, and En-En-Nesyri his brace, as De Gea once again made a mistake. In the end, the game ended in a 3-0 defeat for the Old Trafford side.
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De Gea has been fantastic in certain aspects over the last two seasons. However, with Erik ten Hag seemingly wanting to play out from the back, the 32-year-old leaves a lot to be desired with his distribution.
Once again, the Spaniard has been exploited for his deficits and United have been unable to cope. With the UEL exit, getting a top-four spot becomes pivotal for Champions League football in the upcoming campaign.
