Not for the first time this season, David de Gea proved to be Manchester United’s saviour during the first half against Brentford.
The Spain international has been in brilliant form for United this season, and has been one of the few players to take away some credit in what has been an otherwise disappointing season.
And the goalkeeper once again produced his best as the visitors’ goal came under siege during the opening 45 minutes at Brentford on Wednesday night.
The hosts spurned a number of great opportunities to take the lead, with De Gea proving to be a one-man wall for Ralf Rangnick’s side.
The United stopper had to be alert as he denied Mathias Jensen early on in the half with one of his trademark saves with his feet, before coming to his side’s rescue a few more times as the visitors failed to clear the ball away from danger.
It was a performance that drew praise from his former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, who told BT Sport: "David De Gea, he’s like a brick wall. Phenomenal performance from him again. How many times have we sat here and said without this guy in goal Man United would be two or three goals down?"
It is of course not the first time this season De Gea has managed to keep United in a game, and fans were singing his praises once again as they watched another masterclass from the Spaniard.
Goals from Anthony Elanga and Mason Greenwood made De Gea's saves all the more worth it as United produced an improved second half display to surge into a 2-0 lead.
Rangnick and his side though will hope they can make up some ground in their race for the Premier League top four, having dropped points in their most recent outings against Wolves and Aston Villa.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
