Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has put his weight behind his goalkeeper David de Gea despite his costly blunder against West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday. The Spaniard could not stop Said Benrahma’s weak shot in the 27th minute of the game, which cost them the game.
In fact, the Red Devils were stunned by Brighton and Hove Albion in their last game and they are veering off the track at this crucial junction of the season.
After David de Gea’s mistake, his role as the number one goalkeeper for the club was questioned by the critics but the Dutchman backed his custodian.
“He has the most clean sheets in the Premier League, so we would not be in this position without him,” Ten Hag told a news conference. “So he has fully my belief, no concerns. Mistakes happen, but as a team you have to deal with it, you have to show character, be resilient and bounce back and this team will do.”
In fact, David de Gea has been linked to other clubs but De Gea wants the 32-year-old from Spain to stay at Old Trafford and extend his existing contract.
“We want him to stay and we want him to extend his contract,” Ten Hag said.
Manchester United have lost their last two matches, which has reduced their lead on fifth-placed Liverpool to one point but they have a game in hand. United will want to finish among the top four in order to qualify for the Champions League football.
Ten Hag said that their destiny is still in their hands and they need to play at their best in order to have a top-four finish in the ongoing season.
“It’s not about Liverpool, it’s about us, because look at the table and we have everything in our hands,” Ten Hag said. “If we bring our performance and standards we will win games. We don’t have to look to others, we have to look to ourselves to find a way to win.
“Now you can’t feel sorry for yourself. As a team stick together, as an individual take responsibility, make sure you have the energy. Tiredness is in your head. It’s now up to the players.”
Manchester United will next take on Wolves on Saturday at Old Trafford.
