David de Gea was showered with praise and was severely criticized.
The Manchester United goalkeeper is no stranger to the diversity of public opinion and media hype. Like all successful footballers, De Gea understands that his priority is to play the game and show results.
The Guardian said the following:
“I don’t need to show anything.
“I know people like to talk, but I’m used to it. I just perform as well as I can, helping the team and trying my best all the time” (via The Daily Mail).
Evidence of his pedigree is that the United goalkeeper is only three goals less than the legend of the “red devils” Peter Schmeichel.
On Sunday, United will face Premier League leader Arsenal. A clean sheet would put the Spaniard next to Schmeichel’s record of 180 clean matches. It would also help United to walk away with precious points from a top-4 team — a vital step towards earning a place in the Champions League next season and restoring their title contender status.
Pen and paper
Uncertainty surrounds De Gea’s future as a new contract has yet to be signed. His current contract expires at the end of the season. Add to this reports that manager Eric ten Haag is considering a move for the Brentford goalkeeper, and the 32-year-old Spaniard’s slight concern about what lies ahead is understandable.
However, it is believed that de Gea is adamant in his desire to stay at the club for the rest of his career. The United stopper showed an excellent game, repelling most of the attacks of Crystal Palace in the last game of the Red Devils.
De Gea said: “I feel great, I feel really good.
“I help the team, I train well, I feel confident. It was a great save [to deny Eduard]. As soon as I saw the ball coming, I doubted if I could do it, but I got a touch. So, I feel very good, let’s continue.”
Despite the energetic play between the sticks, De Gea equalized late thanks to an impressive effort by Michael Olize. It was a clinical free kick. The 1-1 draw was a bitter pill, which was not helped by Casemiro’s yellow card, which ruled him out of the game in the long-awaited match with Arsenal on Sunday.
Between the hammer and the anvil
De Gea believes that United are beginning to feel the effects of a busy calendar of games. In just 33 days, the Red Devils will play nine matches.
“We have a lot of games. To be honest, the players are a little tired. We will also miss a big player on Sunday. It’s hard, but you have to keep going, keep fighting and try to win.”
Casemiro’s absence leaves a void that has not escaped De Gea’s attention. He said:
“He’s going to be a big miss.
“He brings experience, a lot of experience. All over the field, he helps the team, in defense, in attack. He is certainly one of the best in the world in his place.”
The old rivalry is being revived
The revival of United and Arsenal as the locomotives of English football increases the importance of this game. The winner will leave with the right to brag and valuable points against an opponent from the top four.
This is not only the revival of the two teams, but also the managers at the helm. In years past, it was Sir Alex Ferguson versus Arsene Wenger. Mikel Arteta and Ten Hag seem ready to leave the same legacy.
De Gea is attuned to the situation. He said: “We are talking about one of the best coaches in history, Sir Alex, and the Arsenal guy [Wenger]. It’s different eras, different football; football has changed a bit, but let’s see.”
Reflecting on the clash between the two teams in 2017, in which he made 14 saves, which is a record in a Premier League game, he said: “It was a great game, especially because we won. Hopefully I’ll have another big game. It could be a huge three points for us.”
