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Paddy Kenny criticises Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea for his inconsistency
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been slated by former Leeds United shot-stopper Paddy Kenny. The Englishman has questioned the Spaniard’s consistency over the years.
De Gea has had a mixed start to the season under Erik ten Hag. The 31-year-old made a few major errors in the first two games of the 2022/23 campaign. However, he has been pivotal in goal over the last few weeks.
Speaking to Football Insider (h/t Express), Kenny, who spent eight years at Sheffield United, feels De Gea has errors in him. The former Leeds shot-stopper also played down the 31-year-old being awarded Man United’s best player last season.
“Where are we with De Gea? He makes unbelievable saves but he does make the odd error now.
“Do they have to go out and spend some money on a replacement or do they keep him? For me, he has recently been off it.
“I know he got player of the year last season but I think anyone would have got that playing in goal for them last season.”
De Gea was one of our best players last season. And the 31-year-old has been the first choice in goal for the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag as well. However, the Spaniard has seemingly struggled to adapt to the gaffer’s ideas.
Ten Hag apparently wants the team to play out from the back. He wants the goalkeepers to play short. However, De Gea is not known for his distribution skills. The Spaniard has looked uncomfortable on the ball. And it was evident against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
The former Ajax manager, however, has stuck with De Gea. The 31-year-old has since put in impressive displays in the Premier League. Against Liverpool and Arsenal, the Spaniard made some big saves.
Man United have subsequently gone on a four-game win streak in the league. And De Gea has started every game for the club. The other options at Ten Hag’s disposal are Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton.
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Dean Henderson was sent out on loan in the recent transfer window. And the 25-year-old has thrived at Nottingham Forest. Many fans believed the England international was the successor to De Gea. However, he was not given the opportunities in Manchester.
De Gea is the preferred choice for now. But will Ten Hag want a new keeper in the coming transfer windows capable of playing the way he wants? It remains to be seen.
