‘He will cost us’ – Man Utd fans point out critical De Gea flaw despite stunning save as embarrassing stat is laid bare
MANCHESTER UNITED fans have identified a part of David de Gea’s game they believe could end up costing them.
The Red Devils face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday as they seek a first piece of silverware in nearly six years.
De Gea, 32, will unquestionably be Erik ten Hag‘s selection in between the sticks for the Wembley clash.
But some Man Utd supporters have been left unconvinced by the Spaniard’s ability to come for crosses.
He has stopped just eight crosses in the Premier League so far this season, meaning he ranks 20th among his fellow keepers.
And he drops another place when crosses are measured by “stop percentage”.
This concern was illustrated on social media through a clip where De Gea actually ends up making a superb save.
However, fans were left less than impressed by his inability to intercept the cross that led to the diving stop during United’s win over Barcelona.
One said: “90 per cent of the Premier League keepers comes out to claim that ball and then you think nothing more of it.
“He saved it this time but he will cost us due to his lack of ability in claiming crosses.
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“David de Gea ranks 21st in a 20 team league at crosses claimed.”
Another added: “Any semi-decent goalkeeper claims that without trying. It’s a 100 times more risky to gamble by staying on his line.
“If Kounde had directed that ball slightly more to either side then they score.
“Stop giving a goalkeeper credit for failing at the basics.”
And a third responded: “This happens a lot. He pulls off worldies but he’s had to pull them off because of the chaos in the box caused by his unwillingness to command his area.”
De Gea has made more than 500 appearances for Man Utd since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
He has won the club’s player of the year award on four occasions – a feat matched only by Cristiano Ronaldo.
And he has claimed a number of trophies at Old Trafford including the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League.