David de Gea nominated himself for post-match media duties after Manchester United were embarrassed by Brentford in Saturday's evening Premier League game.
The Red Devils were thumped 4-0 in West London after their hosts scored a jaw-dropping four goals in the first 35 minutes. De Gea was responsible for United falling behind in the 10th minute, letting Josh Dasilva's shot through his grasp when he should have made a routine save at his near post.
Another calamity at the back allowed Mathias Jensen to double the lead after De Gea played Christian Eriksen into pressure on the edge of the box from a goal kick. Ben Mee rose above Lisandro Martinez at the far post to extend the lead and Bryan Mbeumo sent the Brentford Community Stadium wild with a cool finish into the bottom corner.
Although the Red Devils were thoroughly dismal across the pitch, De Gea felt his mishap for the opening goal set in motion the heavy defeat - and volunteered for a Sky Sports interview after the match. "I think I cost my team three points today," the Spaniard began. "It was a poor performance from myself.
"After the first mistake and then the second, it was very tough to be playing and it was a horrible day. Of course, we should react better but the moment we are living now is tough, every time we concede a goal. I should've saved the first shot and probably the result would be different."
Opening up on his ill-fated pass to Eriksen as United sought to play out from the back, De Gea added: "Maybe I [should] have to read it better and kick it long. But, of course, we always try to play. But today they pressed hard and I should've read it better."
What needs to change at Manchester United? Have your say in the comments!
De Gea is one of the most senior members in the United dressing room and lamented how his side's promising pre-season has failed to translate to Premier League form, with the Red Devils beaten 2-1 by Brighton in their opening game.
"It is too easy to play in pre-season, you play for nothing," the 31-year-old said. "Then when you have to play games that matters you need bravery, more consistent and be a proper player. It wasn't the case today."
Finally, De Gea was asked how United turn things around, to which he responded: "I'm not sure, to be honest. Everyone is improving a lot and feels like we're on the same page. We must stick together."
