As Manchester United claimed a slender victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon courtesy of Casemiro’s objective, it proved one more spectacular outing for the Pink Devils’ backline, having racked up a seventeenth Premier League clear sheet of the season.
That newest shut-out away on the Vitality Stadium noticed long-serving stopper, David De Gea as soon as once more show “very important” within the sticks – as per journalist Samuel Luckhurst – having ensured that he shall be taking residence the division’s Golden Glove award.
For all of the fury surrounding the shambolic defeats to the likes of Brentford, Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool, the “defensive enchancment” for Erik ten Hag’s aspect has nonetheless been “spectacular”, in response to Luckhurst, with the membership’s primary having been a central a part of that high quality work to this point this season.
Whereas there was a lot discuss how De Gea will match into the Dutchman’s long-term plans at Outdated Trafford – amid the continued talks surrounding a brand new contract extension – the 32-year-old proved in opposition to the Cherries that he stays a key asset for the top-four hopefuls within the short-term, at the least.
How did De Gea carry out in opposition to Bournemouth?
On a day wherein United have been removed from at their sensible greatest, De Gea was instrumental in protecting Gary O’Neil’s males at bay, having produced two “glorious saves”, in response to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.
The £375k-per-week ace notably did properly to disclaim substitute Kieffer Moore late on, standing robust to disclaim the towering Welshman after the visiting defence had been caught napping.
Not that the previous Atletico Madrid man was typically left uncovered, nevertheless, with these in entrance of him additionally proving their price, with skilled ace Raphael Varane having been “unbelievable”, in response to journalist Liam Canning.
The composed Frenchman was significantly ‘stable’ alongside Victor Lindelof – as per Luckhurst – having supplied a reminder of his high quality amid continued hypothesis surrounding the membership’s curiosity in Napoli defender, Kim Min-jae.
De Gea, too, could properly have additionally seen experiences that he may very well be usurped because the beginning choice subsequent season, though the 30-touch ace additionally answered his critics along with his standout show yesterday, along with his 8.0 match score having been the second-best of any participant for both aspect – as per Sofascore.
Even when the 6 foot 4 rock is to get replaced this summer season, he’ll nonetheless be counted on over the approaching video games, with it an actual asset for Ten Hag to have the ability to depend on such skilled figures just like the 45-cap gem and teammate, Varane.
