Aheed Abrar
Erik ten Hag dismisses Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea criticism
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defence of shot-stopper David de Gea and has dismissed the criticism he has received.
The Red Devils are closing in on a contract renewal with the veteran goalkeeper. However, some figures at the club are not sure about the Spain international’s number one status going into next season.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag quickly put a stop to the negative comments around the 32-year-old. The gaffer believes the former Atletico Madrid star has had a good season.
“In this moment, I don’t want to talk about such issues of criticism because we all played a great season – including David de Gea. He played a fantastic season.”
The former Ajax head coach has relied on De Gea for the majority of the current campaign. United’s style of play has seemingly changed under the Dutch manager, which does not seem to suit the shot-stopper.
At the start of the season, the veteran goalkeeper was found wanting on several occasions. But the 32-year-old managed to find his feet and came up with some clutch saves.
However, in recent weeks, the Spaniard’s frailties have come to the fore. Against the likes of Sevilla in the Europa League and recently in our 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final, he left a lot to be desired.
De Gea has been the first choice in between the sticks for the Red Devils for over a decade now. Unfortunately, in the last few years, his confidence looks to have taken a hit and the shot-stopper has been error-prone.
In the current campaign, the former Atletico star won the Premier League Golden Glove. Despite the award, the Spaniard has left many unconvinced.
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The 32-year-old’s cycle at the Old Trafford side is evidently coming to its culmination. But will Ten Hag count on the veteran goalkeeper next season as well? Only time will tell.
