Peter Schmeichel says David de Gea’s positioning contributed to his inability to keep Ilkay Gundogan’s winner out in Manchester United’s 2-1 FA Cup final loss to Manchester City.
The Spaniard could only get a weak hand to the ball as City retook the lead on 51 minutes after Gundogan’s opener on 12 seconds - the fastest-ever FA Cup final goal. Bruno Fernandes had levelled the game with a penalty on 33 minutes after VAR gave handball against Jack Grealish.
But it was the blue side of Wembley that saw their team lift the trophy thanks to Gundogan’s volleyed effort after the break. Speaking to the BBC post-match, ex-United goalkeeper Schmeichel felt De Gea could have done a lot better for the goal.
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He said of De Gea: “I think he should have done better. I was very surprised that it went in, I kind of look at where he is in the goal, put myself in there and think 'okay, what I have to do now is be right in the middle of this triangle'.
“He gets a full hand to it, but he’s half a yard [over]. It’s like he’s a little bit too deep, he doesn’t follow the game. I haven’t got a clue because I’m not in that goal, but still he should move to where the ball is. You always have to be in the centre and I think he didn’t do that.”
De Gea’s contract expires this month but he is closing in on a new deal with reduced terms. His future role in Erik ten Hag’s plans is uncertain after the manager refused to confirm him as next season’s No.1.
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