Gary Neville has admitted he’s concerned with the amount of saves David de Gea is making for Manchester United ahead of what will likely prove a pivotal month.
The Spain international has been in superb form for United this season, and has been a big reason why they remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.
The 31-year-old sits top of the chart when it comes to saves in the Premier League in the current campaign, having made 11 more than any other goalkeeper.
De Gea’s interventions have proven even more vital this season, with his defence having been shaky throughout the season as they’ve seen their pre-season hopes of a title challenge quickly fade away.
The hope for United now is a fourth-placed finish to ensure they qualify for the Champions League once again next season, while they will also be looking to progress further in Europe as they take on Atletico Madrid in the last-16 this week.
But Neville admits he is worried by how often De Gea is having to be called into action, with some huge games on the horizon for United.
"Manchester United do have vulnerabilities. David De Gea has made 92 saves, which is the most in the Premier League, with Illan Meslier, the Leeds goalkeeper, second," the former England defender told his Sky Sports podcast.
"It is not a good reflection on these teams. Manchester United have got to become more difficult to play against.
"They are playing Atletico Madrid away on Wednesday; they have got Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City coming up.
"It is a big month and that month is going to define the season in terms of finishing in the top four and progressing in the Champions League."
De Gea was once again kept busy against Leeds on Sunday as he took his tally up to 96 saves for the season, but found himself being beaten in strange circumstances at Elland Road as Rodrigo’s cross looped straight over him and into the back of the net.
Less than a minute later, he was left exposed by his defence again as Raphinha converted Daniel James’ cross, and although United fought back to win 4-2, Neville has warned his old side to learn from their trip to Yorkshire.
"They have got to stop those mad moments, those five-minute periods where they concede two goals, because if you concede two against City, Liverpool or Atletico, you are out of the game," Neville added.
"I think this [the game against Leeds] is a warning sign."
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