FOR David De Gea, this really could be the beginning of the end as Manchester United No1.
Mistakes have been an unwanted part of his game for the past couple of seasons now; his place amongst the highest-rated keepers in world football already in doubt.
David De Gea was grounded as Jan Bednarek opened the scoring for SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick even injured the goalkeeperCredit: EPA
And then came another worrying performance, on this occasion at the hands of Southampton and the set-piece prowess of James Ward-Prowse.
A corner that arguably could have been dealt with, and a free-kick that – regardless of the technique and accuracy – should have been saved.
In the past, these sorts of game-changing incidents may be dismissed as one-offs, and faith restored simply because of a lack of a replacement.
And luckily for him, in the end, it did not cost them.
The difference now is that United have an alternative in Dean Henderson, who was brought on at half-time to replace De Gea after he picked up a knock in the aftermath of his clanger.
A spell on the sidelines appears likely for the Spaniard, who looked glum as he watched on from the stands at St Mary’s in the second half with his hood up.
But there is little certainty he will return as Henderson made his long-awaited Premier League debut.
The mystic powers of United legend Roy Keane were on full show in the Sky Sports studio pre-match, as he launched into a keeper he is used to criticising.
Keane ranted: “De Gea’s performances have been a bit better this season.
“It’s certainly helped that Dean Henderson has come back to the club – there’s competition there now.
“When they train they can look each other in the eye and he knows if he makes mistakes then Henderson will be in, but I’m still not his biggest fan. He’s still not done enough for me.
“He’s on a big contract but he’s made some big mistakes that cost united big points. He has one league title in ten years, that’s not a great stat.”
Unprompted, he happily continued: “People say he’s a good shot-stopper – that’s his job!
“It’s other parts of the game – commanding the area, communicating. He needs to be more consistent.
De Gea watched United’s comeback from the stands on SundayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Roy Keane has made his feelings on the goalkeeper very clearCredit: AFP or licensors
“If he makes a load of saves today I’ll be the first to give him credit but I don’t think I’ve been too harsh – he’s made far too many mistakes and the stats will tell you that.”
Forget the stats, just watching a game can tell you De Gea’s confidence is not what it once was – although Southampton’s opening goal was more about poor defending.
Ward-Prowse’s whipped corner towards the front post met four United players marking themselves, allowing Jan Bednarek to nip in and glance his header goalward.
De Gea’s biggest critics would jump down his throat, but he would expect his defenders to deal with it for him.
Even Keane admitted at half-time: “That would be harsh on him.”
But the free-kick from 18 yards out that found its way in may well be the defining moment in De Gea’s United career.
The whip and pace Ward-Prowse generated was impressive, but De Gea was slow with his feet and was unable to keep it out, despite getting a full hand to it.
Keane lamented: “I would expect my keeper to save that.”
He lay in the back of his net in a heap clutching his left leg, and looked uncomfortable until the half time whistle – grimacing and bent over at the waist inspecting the pain.
But as Henderson produced a solid display after the break as United fought their way back to an unlikely victory, that pain will be nothing compared to the realisation his squad number may have just changed from No.1 to No.2.
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Dean Henderson expects to be Man Utd No1 next season as he fights for England place
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
