MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left in complete disbelief after David de Gea finally saved a penalty.
The Spanish stopper had supporters fearing “the end is near” after he denied Aleksandar Mitrovic from the spot at Old Trafford against Fulham.
United were already trailing Fulham after Kenny Tete’s near-post header from Willian’s corner.
However, just moments later the 32-year-old prevented the Red Devils from falling two behind after Casemiro was punished for a foul in the box.
Mitrovic stepped up but De Gea guessed the correct way and produced a brilliant stop as the Stretford End roared its approval.
It proved to be a vital contribution from De Gea, who afterwards picked up the Golden Glove an award for keeping the most clean sheets this season (16), as United went on to win 2-1.
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And that, incredibly, was his first penalty save at Old Trafford since he denied Leighton Baines in October 2014.
De Gea has faced heavy criticism for his penalty saving record over recent times – with supporters stunned last month that they beat Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final via a shootout despite him failing to stop a single one.
And he was heavily mocked after the 2021 Europa League final defeat to Villarreal where he conceded 11 penalties before missing United’s crucial one himself.
However, he did save two in the Premier League last season, firstly from West Ham’s Mark Noble in September 2021 before denying Ismaila Sarr at Watford two months later.
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But despite that, the United faithful still appeared to be in shock to witness him produce a save – especially at the Theatre of Dreams.
One tweeted: “Did I just see De Gea save a penalty????”
Another wrote: “De Gea Penalty save? We’re winning the league next season.”
Meanwhile, De Gea has so far failed to sign a new deal at United, which would see his present £375,000-a-week basic salary drop by nearly 50 per cent.
He is out of contract next summer and wants to stay at Old Trafford but so far talks over fresh terms have stalled.
United boss Erik ten Hag has given his public backing to the Spaniard, although it is understood concerns remain from the player’s camp that he may not be No.1 next season.
And some even think that this penalty save was the perfect way for him to sign off at the club before a summer exit.
One fan wrote: “DE GEA OMFG WHAT A FAREWELL PENALTY SAVE.”
As another added: “Farewell penalty save for De Gea.”
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Although others just thought that the world was about the end as one wrote: “DAVID DE GEA SAVED A PENALTY. SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR LOVED ONES.
“SOUND THE KLAXON. THE SIMULATION IS BROKEN.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
