Erik ten Hag issued a defence of David De Gea after Manchester United crashed out of the Europe League.
After a dramatic 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week, United crumbled away at Sevilla in a shambolic 3-0 loss.
Harry Maguire and De Gea were guilty of glaring errors with both players sloppy in trying to pass out from the back.
A poor ball from the Spaniard put the England defender under pressure and striker Youssef En-Nesyri capitalised on Maguire’s indecision to gleefully lash in the easiest of openers.
Loic Balde’s looping header added a second before De Gea failed to control a long ball forwards for En-Nesyri to score his brace and round off a miserable night for United.
Locked in a three-way battle for the top four with Newcastle and Tottenham, ten Hag’s side are by no means guaranteed Champions League football next season.
De Gea’s future has long been called into question amid doubts about his ability with the ball at his feet.
Still, ten Hag underlined his value after the game.
“He is the one with the most clean sheets in the Premier League,” said the Dutchman.
“That number shows he’s very capable goalkeeper.”
United next travel to Wembley on Sunday to play Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final.
Of that game, ten Hag added: “On Sunday we have to step up and show more character and more personality.”
