MANCHESTER United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that the club will extend David de Gea’s contract even after another costly mistake from the goalkeeper.
De Gea allowed a tame shot from Said Benrahma to slip through his grasp last night as United lost 1-0 at West Ham, which was the Spaniard’s fourth error leading to a goal this season.
Despite the costly errors, Ten Hag is backing the 32-year-old, who has been at the club since 2011.
“We want David de Gea to stay here at Manchester United and we want him to extend his contract,” the Dutchman said during his post-match interview.
“We want him to be with us also next season. He has the most clean sheets in the league so we would not be here in this position without him.
“He fully has my belief. No concerns with him.
“It happens but as a team you have to deal with it, show character, be resilient and bounce back.”
With the defeat, the second in four days for Ten Hag’s side, Manchester United are only one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, although the Red Devils have a game in hand.
The gap was much bigger few weeks ago, and there are fears among United’s fanbase that their club will miss out on fourth place and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
“Nothing changed, only we could have made it easier. We need three wins,” Ten Hag said of the battle for a top four finish.
“Everything is in our hands; we have to believe. It’s not about Liverpool, it’s about us. If we bring our standards we will win games. We don’t look to others we look to ourselves.”
United were in control of the game and created several presentable chances before De Gea’s 27th minute howler.
From that point on, Ten Hag’s side lacked belief and composure, and never looked like getting back in the game.
“We started well, dictated the game, creating chances, didn’t take them, then one mistake,” the former Ajax manager explained.
“Twice in two games individual mistake leads to losing game. I’m disappointed. We’re having a one week rest for first time since Christmas. We have to reload, get the energy back, keep going.”
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