Paul Scholes’ concerns about David de Gea’s ability with the ball at his feet were proven justified on Thursday evening as Sevilla took advantage of a woeful display from the Spaniard. If the Manchester United goalkeeper’s disastrous performance has put the brakes on a contract extension and Erik ten Hag decides that a change is needed, it may not go down too well with De Gea’s good friend, Casemiro.
The Red Devils capitulated against Sevilla not just in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, but also in giving up a two-goal lead in the first leg. With the tie balanced at 2-2, De Gea played a role in every Sevilla goal on Thursday night as United crashed out of the competition with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
His incompetence in possession first came to the fore when he passed to the poorly-positioned Harry Maguire, who gave the ball away under pressure and allowed Youssef En-Nesyri to put the hosts in front.
De Gea then appeared to freeze when Loic Bade’s header looped over him and in the second half, while his calamitous first touch provided En-Nesyri with his second goal of the night in the final 10 minutes.
Scholes was already aware that De Gea was capable of such a display, even if he backed the 32-year-old’s ability as a shot-stopper. “He has been a fantastic goalkeeper for a long time,” he told BT Sport earlier this month. “There were rumours a few years ago about going to Real Madrid and it didn’t quite happen.
“I think the only weakness is with his feet, he is not a great footballer and I think the manager wants that. But on the other hand, how do you replace a goalkeeper of this quality? To me, clean sheets are the most important thing, but modern-day football, they want a goalkeeper that plays football.”
De Gea’s lucrative contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and while United have the option of extending it by another year, they are yet to do so. However, reports indicate that both parties are closing in on a new agreement that will see the Spanish international remain in the Premier League on reduced wages.
Time will tell whether Thursday night’s performance prompts the Red Devils to U-turn and usher De Gea out of the door when his current deal expires. Doing so would not go down well with Casemiro, who has struck up a well-publicised friendship with the former Atletico Madrid star since arriving at Old Trafford.
Only last week, De Gea revealed his ‘love’ for the Brazilian after receiving a message in the dressing room. Casemiro had written a note on one of his autograph cards which, translated from Spanish, read: “I love you d******d.”
De Gea posted it to Instagram and responded: “Love you too bro.” Casemiro was among the players to suffer in the Europa League clash against Sevilla, misplacing a pass that led to yet another goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
