David de Gea labelled Manchester United a disgrace after their hopes of Champions League qualification faded with a dismal 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Everton. United suffered a third defeat in five matches courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s deflected goal and despite impressive contributions from the England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford they failed to test seriously an Everton defence that conceded three at Burnley in midweek.
De Gea did not hold back in a scathing analysis of United’s effort, admitting they lacked the desire Everton showed in their fight to avoid a first relegation since 1951.
The United goalkeeper said: “They played Wednesday and they were tired but they had more desire than us, that is not acceptable. Very sad to lose. It is a disgrace from us. We should be winning this game.”
Ralf Rangnick concurred with the Spain international’s view of an unacceptable display. Pickford did not have a save to make between the 12th and 81st minute. “It is not so difficult to see that this was our biggest problem,” said the caretaker manager. “If you don’t score in 95 minutes against a team who conceded three goals against Burnley it is difficult to explain.
“For us as a coaching staff it is difficult to understand why we didn’t create more chances in a game like this. The first 25 minutes we were in full control of the game.
“Saying that, in those 25 minutes we didn’t take enough advantage of that dominating period, especially on our left side. I would have wished to create more overlaps and underlaps and exploit the space more than we did.
“We had our moments and could have scored in the first 25 minutes but in that period of the game I would have wished us to be more penetrating. You could literally feel they were crumbling after that result against Burnley, quite logically they are not full of confidence, but we didn’t take advantage and their first shot on goal, a deflected shot, changed the game and changed the atmosphere. Second half they just defended and we were not able to break down that wall.”
Rangnick denied speculation over his successor, expected to be Ajax’s Erik ten Hag, had contributed to the players’ meagre effort but admitted European qualification would be undeserved on this evidence. “I don’t see any connection between this issue and I don’t think we should allow anyone to have this alibi or excuse,” said Rangnick.
“A new manager will come and it doesn’t matter if it will be announced in five, 15 or 20 days. The players should be eager to play international football and if possible Champions League football but as long as we play like today we just don’t deserve it.”
