Friday, March 29, 2024

The Decline Of David De Gea: What Has Gone Wrong?

On Friday night, Manchester United returned to action in a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur. Paul Pogba came off the bench to win a penalty, running along the byline before being fouled by Eric Dier. Bruno Fernandes would go on to slot home the equalising penalty. This came after Manchester United went 1-0 down to a Steven Bergwijn goal in the first half, courtesy of some bad defending by United combined with a bit of a howler from Spanish international David De Gea. The shot was almost straight at the veteran keeper, however he somehow allowed it to fly by him and into the back of the net, much to the dismay of Red Devils legend Roy Keane.

Keane, who was a Sky pundit for this game, went on to call Dea Gea ‘overrated’. Whilst I do not agree with Keane’s comments, the Spaniard’s form has fallen off a cliff in recent times.

So What Has Happened To De Gea?

De Gea, 29, turned around a disappointing first season back in 2011-12 to become the best goalkeeper in the world. He went on to win multiple Manchester United Player Of The Year awards. For many years he was unstoppable and it was rare to see him make a mistake, however, during the 2018 World Cup, the Man Utd man became accountable for several mistakes.

De Gea was at fault in the first game against Portugal, letting a Cristiano Ronaldo shot go through his hands. He also struggled in the final game of the group stage against Iran and in their elimination against Russia in the knockouts.

De Gea looks on in horror during the 2018 World Cup 3-3 draw with Portugal.

He went on to finish the tournament conceding six goals from seven shots on target, not including the penalty shootout loss to Russia.

Since then the stopper has not been himself.

De Gea was once close to a move to Real Madrid, only for a fax machine error late on deadline day causing the transfer not to go ahead in 2017. With his form the way it has been since the summer of 2018, De Gea looks the furthest away he has been from a move to Real Madrid in a long time.

De Gea at fault for a Watford goal earlier this season.

In conclusion, I believe that De Gea can still get that move but he has to start getting back to his old form This is particularly so if Manchester United reach Champions League qualification as this will allow him to showcase his ability to the world once again.

Perhaps his form in the 2018 World Cup made De Gea lose all confidence of a move to Real Madrid or maybe it was complacency. Either way, whatever has caused this drop off in form, Manchester United need De Gea to get back to his old form if they are to get back to the good times.

Otherwise, Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson will be waiting. Henderson has impressed in his time in Sheffield on loan from United. If both De Gea and Henderson’s form keeps on going the way it is, then next season could see De Gea as the number two.

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