Why is David de Gea not being challenged for his spot at Man United
David de Gea and Chelsea 3, Man United 1. This, the final score of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final fixture between the English heavyweights.
What happened on Sunday? Chelsea played most of the game on the front foot while Man United took their effective counter-attacking approach. This time around, it was quite unsuccessful and ineffective for United.
Man United fell behind by two goals with no reply before the 50-minute mark of the game courtesy of two de Gea errors. One can argue the first goal conceded was at point-blank range and the keeper was not fast enough to react, holding only Victor Lindelöf accountable for his shocking defending in front of goal.
The second, one could debate it was too hot to handle. Yet, we all know it would be a serious case of denial to say United’s number 1 shouldn’t come under fire and his spot under threat after what transpired between the sticks on Sunday.
Yes, not all was bad. One or two moments displayed the cat-like reflexes of David of the past when he was pronounced as the world’s best. Sadly, this is not enough to turn a blind eye to something that has costed Man United some points in their fight for top four, as well as some much-needed silverware.
Even the third goal you have to question how he got beaten at his near post from such an acute angle, with almost no space between him and the up-right. It is something the club has to come to terms with and treat now before it is too late.
Sergio Romero has been pretty safe in between the sticks when selected. We must not forget the stopper went all the way to the Europa League final with Jose Mourinho and has proven to always be reliable in cup competitions.
Why was he overlooked the weekend then? He was used in their 5-0 win over Norwich City. Again, why was he not given the nod? In his last four 2020 appearances, he’s kept four clean sheets, and they’ve won all of them. Seriously, why was he not used?
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Dean Henderson not ready?
The manager has already come out stating the young Englishman, currently on loan to Sheffield United, is not ready to take over from the Spaniard. Despite his words of praise for Henderson during the time they were discussing his extended stay at Bramall Lane, the manager hasn’t seen enough from the stopper.
Yes, Dean has made some pretty costing errors at Bramall Lane, but this is his maiden top-flight run. It would be better for him to be at United getting exposure to European football and playing under lots of pressure in a Man United shirt.
Is this acceptable for a club trying to get back to the top? Certainly not. Man City failed terribly at defending their EPL title thanks to poor displays at the back. Liverpool fell victim to bad defending on many occasions prior to their Premier League winning campaign, where they’d drop three points from conceding a single goal in the dying minutes of the game.
This is why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could have made a huge mistake sending Henderson back out on loan. He is adequately fit to challenge David de Gea for his number one spot and should be. The fact he would be pressuring de Gea could bring out the best in both of them.
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De Gea gives the impression he has become complacent in recent years. Romero was never deemed eligible to take over from de Gea and only ever good for cup ties. Giving the Spaniard the freedom to play half-heartedly.
Ole has gotten many things to work right at Old Trafford, but David doesn’t seem to be one of them with three errors leading to a goal in the Premier League and now another blinder against Chelsea in a 3-1 defeat in the FA Cup.