Erik ten Hag expressed his support for David De Gea, despite the error that weakened Manchester United’s hold on the final Champions League spot.
Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has thrown his unwavering support behind goalkeeper David De Gea, despite the costly slip that dealt a blow to the club’s pursuit of a coveted Champions League place.
De Gea, who is currently engaged in contract discussions at Old Trafford, failed to enhance his negotiating position as he let Said Benrahma’s speculative long-range effort slip through his grasp, condemning United to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against West Ham.
With the loss, United now find themselves merely one point ahead of an advancing Liverpool side, albeit with a game in hand. This defeat marks their eighth away loss of the season, following closely on the heels of their heart-wrenching last-minute defeat at the hands of Brighton.
In the aftermath of the game, manager Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration, saying,
“Yes, it’s frustrating—I share the sentiment. I believe we began the match positively, dictating the tempo and creating chances. However, we failed to capitalize on those opportunities, and ultimately, a single mistake cost us dearly.”
Ten Hag continued,
“Individual errors have cost us matches on multiple occasions. However, this is the nature of the game. We must now regroup, gather our strength, and press forward. David De Gea, with his remarkable record of clean sheets in the Premier League, has been instrumental in our current position. I have no concerns about his ability. Mistakes happen, but as a collective, we must respond with resilience and character. We genuinely want him to stay at the club and extend his contract.”
Despite late attempts from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, both thwarted by the impressive Lukasz Fabianski, Ten Hag’s team failed to offer a significant threat throughout the match. This encounter marked their 57th fixture in what has been an arduous and demanding season, which could be taking its toll not only on their performance but also on their aspirations.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag remained resolute, stating,
“Nothing has changed in our outlook. A victory would have made the path easier for us. We now require three wins from our remaining four matches, and the destiny is entirely within our control. Fatigue is a mental obstacle that can be overcome with determination. It is now the responsibility of both the players and the coaching staff to rally together and demonstrate the willingness to overcome this challenge.”
The Red Devils will be looking to finish the season in a top 4 spot and guarantee Champions League football next season.