Erik ten Hag has emphasised his support for Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea after he was overlooked for Spain’s 55-man panel for their provisional World Cup squad.
Spain boss Luis Enrique selected five goalkeepers on his shortlist, including Brighton shot-stopper Robert Sanchez and David Raya of Brentford. Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon remains first-choice for Spain, while Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has been restored to the squad – alongside Getafe’s David Soria.
However, there was no role in the ranks for the United goalkeeper despite his resurgence in form this season. De Gea’s role at United had come under intense scrutiny after his side's humiliating four-goal loss at Brentford early in the season. Indeed, Ten Hag's post-match analysis ripped into the "naive" actions of the goalkeeper in the embarrassing defeat.
