Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag concedes “mistakes can happen” after a David de Gea howler nearly cost his side dear against Brentford.
The Red Devils got their fight for a top four place back on track at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening with a slender victory over the Bees. Marcus Rashford netted in the first-half - his 28th goal of the campaign - to secure the win.
That leaves Ten Hag’s men fourth and three points clear of Tottenham with ten games of the season still to be played. It could certainly have been different on the night though as an error from Spanish stopper De Gea almost punished the hosts.
As the 32-year-old attempted to clear the ball down the pitch, he was charged down by Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The ball struck the 17-goal forward and fortunately rebounded wide, allowing De Gea to breathe a big sigh of relief.
Whilst the mistake did not cost United, the former Atletico Madrid stopper managed to make up for the error anyway as he was on hand to deny Kevin Schade a late equaliser. Ten Hag praised De Gea after the final whistle for his performance and responding to his mistake.
The Dutchman said: “When you need David, he is there and when you lose focus, mistakes can happen. We want to play as a machine and don’t make mistakes. We make one mistake and luckily they didn’t benefit from it and also it was the performance from David de Gea.”
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The 32-year-old has been a star performer for United once more this season. He has appeared in all of the Red Devils’ Premier League campaigns this term, keeping 12 clean sheets.
He is now just one shutout behind Newcastle ’s Nick Pope in the race for the Golden Glove this term having equalled Aaron Ramsdale ’s record at Arsenal. Should he manage to top the standings, that would represent just his second award since arriving at Old Trafford.
It could also turn out to be his last as he enters the final few months of his current United deal. Talks over a renewed contract are ongoing, with De Gea himself recently underlining his happiness with life at the club.
Speaking in February, the Spaniard said: “Of course is great to be here, it’s a massive club, I love the club and I’m really happy here of course.
“It has been the same over the years, a lot of noise about everything in this club but the players, we just focus on games.”
De Gea will be aiming to secure another clean sheet this weekend as United continue their push for a Champions League spot. The Red Devils take on relegation candidates Everton on Saturday afternoon before their Europa League quarter-final first leg with Sevilla next Thursday.
