Erik ten Hag has emphasised his support for Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea after he was overlooked for Spain’s 55-man panel for their provisional World Cup squad.
Spain boss Luis Enrique selected five goalkeepers on his shortlist, including Brighton shot-stopper Robert Sanchez and David Raya of Brentford. Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon remains first-choice for Spain, while Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has been restored to the squad – alongside Getafe’s David Soria.
However, there was no role in the ranks for the United goalkeeper despite his resurgence in form this season. De Gea’s role at United had come under intense scrutiny after his side's humiliating four-goal loss at Brentford early in the season. Indeed, Ten Hag's post-match analysis ripped into the "naive" actions of the goalkeeper in the embarrassing defeat.
Yet De Gea has maintained his place in the side – despite the arrival of Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle – and has enjoyed a resurgence in form. United have conceded just one goal in their past six matches – a penalty against Chelsea.
The Spaniard excelled in Sunday’s victory at home to West Ham, making a string of fine saves to keep his side ahead. United boss Ten Hag said after the match: "If we don't manage it with the 10 outfield players on the pitch you can really see defending with 11 because we have a great goalkeeper." "With great saves and composure you can rely on him."
Earlier this summer, an interview published in Marca, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga discussed how he and De Gea had fallen from prominence in the Spanish international setup under Luis Enrique. The Blues deputy goalkeeper revealed how De Gea had a "private chat" with the Spain boss – seeing him frozen out of the squad.
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De Gea will have a watching brief when the Premier League pauses next month, with many of his Red Devils teammates flying out to Qatar to star in the World Cup. Speaking earlier this year, Luis Enrique spoke about his options in goal and made it clear why the 31-year-old was no longer in contention.
“I look to have three starting goalkeepers and I think that right now I have them,” Enrique said back in June. “Honestly. I wouldn’t have an issue with any of the three of them starting. Unai has accumulated some interesting experience,” he added. “A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.
“I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football. What they generate I like a lot.”
