“Mistakes happen” – David de Gea defends Man Utd form

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea insists he is happy with his form, despite receiving criticism over the past year.

Previously regarded as potentially the best goalkeeper in the world prior to the 2018 World Cup, De Gea has endured a tough time for club and country.

Has De Gea been underperforming for Man Utd? Five things to know…

• David de Gea has been regarded as the Premier League’s best goalkeeper in the past.
• In the 2017/18 season, De Gea won the Premier League Golden Glove, keeping 18 clean sheets.
• The Spaniard also conceded just 28 goals in 37 games during that campaign.
• He followed it up by conceding 54 goals and recording seven clean sheets the following year.
• But De Gea has defended his performances, pointing out that “mistakes happen”.

De Gea went from conceding just 28 goals and keeping 18 clean sheets for Manchester United in 37 games during the 2017/18 Premier League season, to conceding 54 and recording just seven shutouts in 38 matches the following campaign, while also making four errors which led to goals.

So far this season, De Gea has already managed two clean sheets in five games, conceding just four goals and the Spaniard has defended his previous form.

“I think people, when they look back on last season, they are thinking about the last few months,” he told Sky Sports News.

“If you focus on the season as a whole and, in particular, the first seven months of that season I was quite happy with my form.

“You can say the contract is there in the background – it’s not even in the back of your mind – that’s put to one side. The day-to-day training, going out on the pitch, that’s what you’re focusing on – and helping the team, of course.

“Talking about the odd mistake, form can come and go with any player, but you are more under the microscope when you’re a goalkeeper. It’s not easy to keep up very high standards.

“I’ve been here for a number of years now and to be on top form all the time it’s tough. There are moments when you feel better in yourself form-wise and moments where you’re not quite so good. Mistakes happen, goalkeeper’s live with them and I’m no different.”

De Gea will be looking to add another clean sheet to his collection with Man Utd travel to London to face West Ham United on Sunday. It would be the first time since February 2019, which is also the last time United kept an away clean sheet.

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