DAVID DE GEA gifted Atalanta the lead in Manchester United’s crunch Champions League clash in Italy after an horrific howler.
After sneaking all three points in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford a fortnight ago after a second-half turnaround, United knew a win would put them within touching distance of the last-16.
But with Villarreal hot on their heels, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Co couldn’t afford to lose.
And De Gea, 30, put United in real danger of slipping to defeat after his 12th-minute blunder.
Duvan Zapata picked up a pass – fortuitously deflected off Scott McTominay – before cutting the ball back to Josip Ilicic on the edge of the box.
The Slovenian forward – who has a tattoo of United’s arch-rivals Liverpool on his leg – thumped the ball first time with his left foot.
While powerful, the effort was straight at De Gea for what should have been a comfortable save.
But the Spaniard somehow allowed the ball to squeeze underneath him, deflecting off his elbow and into the back of the net.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-England midfielder Leon Osman slammed De Gea for the blunder.
Osman said: “This is a shocker from David de Gea.
“It’s a quick shot, but it’s tame – it’s a side foot which should be straight to the body of De Gea.
“He half dives past it and puts his arms where his feet would be.
“We’ve seen him make some good saves over the years but he’s made a right hash of that one.”
Speaking on BT Sport, ex-England international Eni Aluko said: “Was there a distraction for David de Gea?
“He should save it but it has been sloppy from United. They need to step it up.”
The goal means United have still only managed ONE clean sheet in their last 15 Champions League games, with their leaky defence exposed once again.
Cristiano Ronaldo TWICE equalised for United – late in each half – as Solskjaer and Co snatched a vital point.
Villarreal beat Young Boys 2-0 to ensure Unai Emery’s side drew level on points with United.
But Atalanta in third place are just two points adrift, with Young Boys just two further back with Group F still wide open with two games to go.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
