- Ten Hag defends De Gea
- Said goalkeeper's main job is to stop shots
- Spaniard's Man Utd contract runs out in June
WHAT HAPPENED? The Dutch manager praised his goalkeeper for his shot-stopping and dismissed concerns about his ability to play the ball out from the back, which has come under increased scrutiny this season.
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WHAT THEY SAID: "Stopping goals - that is the main job for a goalkeeper," Ten Hag said ahead of United's quarter-final second leg away to Sevilla in the Europa League. "Everyone has their own particular style. Nowadays, in possession, it has become more and more important at top levels. But at the end of the day it is about stopping goals; shots; crosses; one-on-ones. I think David is a complete goalkeeper."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: De Gea is a world-renowned shot-stopper but his lack of ability on the ball has long attracted criticism, particularly in Spain. He has not played for his country since October 2020 and new Spain coach Luis de La Fuente left him out of the squad for the team's Euro 2024 qualifiers last month. De Gea, who is United's highest-paid player, has only two months left on his contract with the club and according to reports has rejected the latest offer of an extension.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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GettyWHAT NEXT? United play away to Sevilla after drawing the first leg 2-2. After returning from Spain they face Brighton in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.