Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admits that “mistakes may happen” after a David de Gea gaffe almost lost his team a game against Brentford.
The Red Devils put their battle for a top-four spot back on track against the Bees on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford scored in the first half, his 28th goal of the season, to clinch the victory.
With 10 games remaining in the season, Ten Hag’s men are fourth, three points ahead of Tottenham. It might have been different on the night, as a mistake by Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea almost punished the hosts.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney rushed down the field as the 32-year-old sought to clear the ball. The ball hit the 17-goal striker and thankfully deflected wide, enabling De Gea to exhale a sigh of relief.
Although the blunder did not cost United, the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper more than made up for it by denying Kevin Schade a late equalizer. Ten Hag lauded De Gea after the game for his performance and response to his error.
“When you need David, he is there,” the Dutchman remarked, “and when you lose concentration, errors might happen.” We aim to play like a machine, making no errors. We made one error, which fortunately did not help them, and it was also David de Gea’s performance.”
This season, the 32-year-old has been a standout player for United. He has started every Premier League game for Manchester United this season, keeping 12 clean sheets.
He has now tied Aaron Ramsdale’s record at Arsenal and is just one shutout behind Newcastle’s Nick Pope in the battle for the Golden Glove this season. If he manages to win the rankings, it will be just his second accolade since coming to Old Trafford.
It might be his last as he reaches the last months of his current United contract. Contract negotiations are underway, with De Gea lately emphasizing his satisfaction with life at the club.
“Of course, it’s amazing to be here, it’s a large club, I love the club, and I’m extremely happy here,” the Spaniard stated in February.
“Throughout the years, there has been a lot of commotion about everything at this club, but the players, we just focus on games.”
De Gea will want to keep another clean sheet this weekend as United pushes for a place in the Champions League. The Red Devils face relegation contenders Everton on Saturday before hosting Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final next Thursday.
Erik ten Hag delivers an update on Luke Shaw’s injuries
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says he has a nervous 24-hour wait to find out whether Luke Shaw will be out for a long time after injuring his hamstring against Brentford.
The Red Devils won 1-0 against the Bees to move into fourth place and leapfrog Tottenham, but the game was not without incident for the hosts, as Shaw was hooked in the first half.
Shaw got the game underway and set an incredible personal milestone by playing in his 250th game for the Red Devils. The success came just one day after the England international signed a new contract with the club, extending his tenure until at least the summer of 2027.
Nevertheless, things did not begin well as he was issued a yellow card for clattering into Ivan Toney barely 24 minutes in. It worsened around 12 minutes later. Shaw was substituted by Tyrell Malacia after suffering a hamstring injury, making his 250th United appearance one of his shortest.
Ten Hag will be keen for Shaw to have suffered a minor injury that won’t keep him out for long, considering that United are nearing the conclusion of their season.
Having said that, the Dutchman said he wasn’t in a position to provide a thorough update on Shaw’s status, as the Red Devils await the seriousness of the injury.
“At the time, I can’t say anything,” Ten Hag stated. “We need to wait 24 hours before making the correct diagnosis.”
A lengthy absence for Shaw would be terrible news for United, who are preparing for a trip to Wembley to play Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals at the end of the month.
There’s also the issue of assuring Champions League qualifying by finishing in the top four, which star striker and match-winner Marcus Rashford highlighted after the game.
When asked about finishing in the top four, Rashford admitted: “That is our goal; we want to score as many points as can and win every game.
“All we have to do now is keep playing well and giving our best, keep recovering well, and go on to the next game.”
Ten Hag continued, echoing a similar sentiment: “Of course, this is a huge victory for the Premier League, particularly against Brentford. They have only lost one game in 16 games. It’s never easy to play against them and defeat them, but we did, and I’m pleased with my squad tonight.
“This gives us energy, so we have to maintain it and head to Saturday [against Everton], which is another crucial game.”
