Despite criticism for his performance in the FA Cup final, which Manchester United lost to Manchester City, David de Gea still has the support of his manager.
David de Gea has received criticism for his performance in the FA Cup final, and Erik ten Hag has jumped to the Manchester United goalkeeper’s defense.
Ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford saw De Gea start every single game in goal. But he has made a number of errors that have hurt his campaign, and another one is coming his way on Saturday.
The Spaniard received flak for his contribution to Ilkay Gundogan’s second goal, which he could only palm into the bottom corner. With United losing their ninth FA Cup final, a new record in the competition, that goal proved to be the game-winner.
However, Ten Hag chose to defend his keeper rather than assign any blame to De Gea. He did acknowledge that there were ‘issues’ from United’s performance that needed to be addressed, but he wasn’t just concerned with De Gea.
“We all had a great season, including David De Gea, who played fantastically, so I don’t want to talk about such criticism at this time. We are moving in the right direction,” Ten Hag said.
“But if we want to advance and win trophies, there are times and problems in the game that we must unquestionably fix. To better this team and this club is my sole goal.
“I have my ideas, and I’ve already told the club what we need to do, but I need to work with my staff and my players to improve for the upcoming season. It doesn’t matter if players are brought in and perform well.
“We strive to advance the team by working hard every day throughout the entire season. Being where we started the season makes me incredibly proud.”
Given that De Gea’s contract expires this summer, Ten Hag’s remarks come at a time when his future is uncertain. Although Roy Keane, a former United player, has urged Ten Hag to part ways with the Spaniard, he has still not agreed to new terms.
“City has used a person from the box’s edge in this set piece before.” In analyzing Gundogan’s second goal, Keane told ITV, “He doesn’t hit it that cleanly and it goes through bodies, but United have to get a new keeper.
“They require a goalkeeper of the highest caliber, a striker of the highest caliber, as well as additional players for depth. I’ve said it to death. A talented goalkeeper stops that. In crucial contests, they help you cross the finish line, and that might have made the difference today.
“They need a goalkeeper of the highest caliber, and he isn’t. Talking about it will continue. Some of these players are not good enough for United. In order to get the players United deserve, they must spend the money.”
