Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended goalkeeper David de Gea following his poor outing against Sevilla in the Europa League last night.
The Spaniard has been a terrific performer for the Red Devils over the years. He was recently praised by Ten Hag as a ‘multi-functional and ‘really complete’ keeper.
However, he had a dismal performance against Sevilla in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final and was at fault for all three goals conceded.
The first goal came from Harry Maguire being displaced in his own box after three Sevilla players converged on him but De Gea could have avoided the pass.
The Andalusian outfit made it 2-0 shortly after the break as Loic Bade scored off his shoulder. De Gea miscalculated the flight of the ball as it looped over him.
United never looked like finding a way back into the tie and De Gea ended any slender hopes by gifting Sevilla with the third goal with a poor bit of handling.
The Spaniard came a long way out of his box to clear Acuna’s long ball but had a poor first touch which allowed Youssef En-Nesyri to score into an empty net.
De Gea had probably one of the worst games in his career but Ten Hag was supportive over him, highlighting that he has the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
The Dutch tactician added that he is a ‘very capable’ goalkeeper.
He told Manutd.com: “He’s the one with the most clean sheets in the Premier League, so that shows he’s a very capable goalkeeper.”
De Gea needs to respond against Brighton on Sunday
The Spaniard has been the subject of criticism from some fans and pundits after yesterday’s showing.
He has the opportunity to redeem himself when United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup semi-final at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
It should be another tricky encounter due to the Seagulls’ good form and the Red Devils have to play at their best to beat the South Coast side.
The Seagulls should create chances on goal with their free-flowing attacking football and De Gea must show better resolve between the sticks.
United will have the services of Bruno Fernandes for the Wembley showdown. The Portuguese missed the second leg in Seville with a European suspension.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
