Offside News

Sports

Ferguson defends De Gea horror show

Comment: 0 January 31st, 2012

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to defend keeper David De Gea who showed a display of fumbles during their Saturday FA Cup tie against Liverpool.

The veteran coach insisted that despite De Gea’s weak defending during the match that booted the Red Devils out of the competition, he still expects great things from the young keeper.

Ferguson stated that one crucial development needed would be for the Spanish player to acclimate to the conditions of football in England.

“We know with David it’s about him experiencing English football and adjusting to it,” said Ferguson.  “He’s only 21, so it’s a long-term project for David.

“We always knew that.  Anders has been providing the experience we have needed recently.”

Support for the keeper also came from Michael Owen, who insisted De Gea will someday become an outstanding keeper.

“I’m not having either goal was his fault,” said Owen via Twitter.  “The problem is, once you get labelled, mud sticks and now any tiny mistake is magnified.  Other keepers make similar mistakes and nothing gets said.

“In my opinion two bad goals to give away but to blame everything on the keeper is totally wrong.  The lad will be a top keeper, he is only young.  Harsh to blame him for everything.

“The fans know he needs their support, his confidence needs boosting.  I’m sure he will replay that he will repay that support for years to come.”

The faith is not as strong outside of Old Trafford, however, as fans and spectators alike continue to fire at the keeper for his uncertain performance last weekend.

“My computer has the ‘David De Gea’ virus.  It doesn’t save anything,” read a spectator reaction on Twitter.

“I have seen Dracula react better to crosses than David De Gea!!!” read another posting.

“According to Sky New[sic] Fergie lashed out at De Gea in the tunnel,” said another tweet.  “De Gea went to hit him back but flailed about and completely missed.”

Jibes also came from more notable personalities, specifically journalist Piers Morgan who spoke of the upcoming match between Man United and Chelsea.

“I already know the key moment [in that match]”, tweeted Morgan.  “Torres one-on-one with De Gea – Senor ‘Couldn’t hit a barn door’ vs Senor ‘Flappyhands’.”

Speculations are currently pointing towards whether Ferguson will see De Gea back in the firing line as they get set to face Stoke City tonight at Old Trafford.

However reports stated that both De Gea and Lindegaard, who relieved the Spanish for the last four matches, have both gone down to physical ailments during practice for the Stoke match.

More