March 29, 2023
David de Gea gives Erik ten Hag something he cant really afford to lose at Manchester United
There was a point in the season, particularly after the haunting 4-0 defeat away at Brentford, when David de Gea’s position as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper was under real scrutiny. A series of De Gea mistakes handed the Bees a famous victory, although the Spaniard was not helped by those ahead of him. It was an outing that appeared to suggest United's No.1 simply couldn’t adapt to the new style of play that Erik ten Hag had brought with him. Of course, it was always going to take time for Ten Hag's philosophy to be properly instilled at United , and they now sit third in the table after that disastrous start and there have been real improvements across the board. READ MORE: Guardiola has warned United over Kane pursuit As De Gea’s future at the club becomes an even bigger topic of debate, it’s an opportunity to address how the goalkeeper has improved as the campaign’s gone on. It can be easy to pick faults with De Gea and compare him to some of the goalkeepers at United's rivals. Across Manchester, Ederson has made himself known as one of the best 'footballing goalkeepers', whilst Liverpool’s Alisson has enjoyed a sparkling season despite his team’s drop in form. Their style of play, with a keen focus on moving the ball proactively, is exactly the sort of thing United’s manager has been looking for. On the ball, both Brazilians currently have a pass completion rate of 84%. There is a notable difference here when it comes to De Gea, whose pass completion rate is just 69%. However, back in 2019 his pass completion rate was just 65%, showing he has made improvements. Perhaps it’s too harsh to weigh up De Gea’s stats against two players who have made using the ball a part of their identity. Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal has a pass completion rate of 64%, whilst Newcastle’s Nick Pope is only 58%. As much as De Gea may not reach the greatest heights in the vision of the modern-day goalkeeper, he still appears to be a significant cut above the chasing pack. The key strength, ultimately, of any goalkeeper is their ability to make saves, a department that De Gea has constantly shone in. In fact, his current save percentage is greater than Ederson's, with the Spaniard at 67% compared to 59%. It’s this level of reliability that has made De Gea undroppable for United. Ten Hag can allow his team to experiment with more expansive Football, taking more risks, knowing he has a goalkeeper who can bail his teammates out should they make a mistake. This is supported by the number of shots De Gea has actually faced. Although the likes of Pope, Ramsdale and Alisson have higher save percentages than United’s number one, only the latter has been forced to deal with more shots on goal. Through the new style of play at Old Trafford, the opposition are likely to have more opportunities going forward. It’s a by-product of playing more forward-thinking football. Having De Gea as the man between the sticks allows Ten Hag's men to be more adventurous. And who do United have to replace him? Their merry-go-round of loanees has seen Martin Dubravka come and go, with Jack Butland coming in in January, while Tom Heaton is also an option. There's every chance there would be a significant drop in what United would be capable of if they were forced to play either of De Gea's back-ups, who have been strangers to Premier League action for quite some time. It can always be tempting to look further afield as fans, to dream of having something better. But, as De Gea’s contract at United ticks down, there needs to be a sense of appreciating what you have already. Because once it’s gone, you might remember just what you’re missing. READ NEXT: Lindelof may have handed United another summer task Victor Osimhen's Premier League ambition revealed Erik ten Hag will show if he trusts defender vs Newcastle United have four underperforming players The latest Manchester United news
Related Stories
Latest News
Top news around the world
Academy Awards

‘Oppenheimer’ Reigns at Oscars With Seven Wins, Including Best Picture and Director

Get the latest news about the 2024 Oscars, including nominations, winners, predictions and red carpet fashion at 96th Academy Awards

Around the World

Celebrity News

> Latest News in Media

Watch It
Millie Bobby Brown & Jake Bongiovi Celebrate “Three Years of Bliss” Ahead of Wedding
March 24, 2024
C4Ehegcq1-A
Kate Middleton & Prince William "Enormously Touched" by Public Support
March 24, 2024
s8fig-RCjFc
Gisele Bündchen Denies Cheating on Ex-Husband Tom Brady
March 23, 2024
_SpRMagA8BM
Eminem, 50 Cent & Snoop Dogg Present Dr. Dre with a Star on the Walk of Fame
March 19, 2024
4bNLs1hxVp8
Opening Remarks for the Variety Summit October 20th, 2023 Jay Penske
March 18, 2024
c6Z707iLq8E
'Everybody Was S----ing Their Pants': Nick Thune Jokes About Being Born in the '70s and Fatherhood
March 16, 2024
mm7Baf6o2d8
Gunna Says Tour Will Up Creativity in Rap, Endorses Flo Milli | TMZ
March 22, 2024
QfMU24fw-Qo
Reporter Taylor Lorenz Says Palace Botched Kate Cancer News Rollout | TMZ Live
March 22, 2024
o43ZucdiyEo
Riley Strain's Body Found After Going Missing in Nashville 2 Weeks Ago | TMZ NOW
March 22, 2024
1m1zM-4_Cs8
Kyle Richards hasn’t spoken to co-star Dorit Kemsley, denies sending her a ‘manipulative’ text
March 24, 2024
LqLZzDP1hm4
Jordan Emanuel on her connection to 'RHOSLC' star Meredith Marks, advice from Amanda Batula
March 24, 2024
5NPAwlOov1Y
Kate Middleton’s uncle Gary apologizes after slamming ‘fickle’ Meghan Markle in scathing interview
March 24, 2024
JWG9kitALZk
TV Schedule
Late Night Show
Watch the latest shows of U.S. top comedians

Sports

Latest sport results, news, videos, interviews and comments
Latest Events
20
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
SK Brann W - Barcelona W
20
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
Hacken W - PSG W
19
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
SL Benfica W - Lyon W
19
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Playoffs - Women
Ajax W - Chelsea W
17
Mar
SPAIN: La Liga
Atletico Madrid - Barcelona
17
Mar
ENGLAND: FA Cup
Manchester United - Liverpool
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Inter Milan - Napoli
17
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Brighton - Manchester City
17
Mar
GERMANY: Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund - Eintracht Frankfurt
17
Mar
ENGLAND: FA Cup
Chelsea - Leicester City
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Roma - Sassuolo
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Verona - AC Milan
17
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Juventus - Genoa
16
Mar
GERMANY: Bundesliga
Darmstadt - Bayern Munich
16
Mar
ENGLAND: FA Cup
Manchester City - Newcastle United
16
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Fulham - Tottenham Hotspur
16
Mar
SPAIN: La Liga
Osasuna - Real Madrid
13
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 1/8 Final
Atletico Madrid - Inter Milan
12
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 1/8 Final
Barcelona - Napoli
12
Mar
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 1/8 Final
Arsenal - Porto
11
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Chelsea - Newcastle United
10
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Liverpool - Manchester City
10
Mar
SPAIN: La Liga
Real Madrid - Celta Vigo
10
Mar
ENGLAND: Premier League
Aston Villa - Tottenham Hotspur
10
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Juventus - Atalanta
10
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
Fiorentina - Roma
10
Mar
ITALY: Serie A
AC Milan - Empoli
Find us on Instagram
at @feedimo to stay up to date with the latest.
Featured Video You Might Like
zWJ3MxW_HWA L1eLanNeZKg i1XRgbyUtOo -g9Qziqbif8 0vmRhiLHE2U JFCZUoa6MYE UfN5PCF5EUo 2PV55f3-UAg W3y9zuI_F64 -7qCxIccihU pQ9gcOoH9R8 g5MRDEXRk4k
Copyright © 2020 Feedimo. All Rights Reserved.