Manchester United 1-2 Sheffield United – Player Focus: David De Gea

Bottom of the table Sheffield United pulled off the shock of the season with a 2-1 victory over high flying Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The player in focus tonight is the Red Devils goalkeeper David de Gea who had a night to forget as he was culpable for the Blades’ first goal after failing to deal with an in-swinging corner kick.

Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck delivered a wicked in-swinging corner which De Gea misjudged allowing Kean Bryan to head the Blades’ into a shock lead. David de Gea’s vulnerability from set pieces is no secret with Premier League clubs targeting the Spaniard’s tendency not to deal with crosses in his six-yard box.

The Red Devils have conceded nine goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season which is the fourth highest in the top flight; this is a significant problem that needs to be addressed by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Despite impressive performances in recent weeks, De Gea’s form has not improved in comparison to past seasons. The Spanish ‘keeper has conceded 30 goals in 23 appearances so far this season, keeping seven clean sheets.

The return of the promising Dean Henderson to the club has provided competition for De Gea for the number one position at Old Trafford which has seen an improvement in form to the Spaniard.  “Big Dave” will have to try shake off a bad performance against Sheffield United as the Red Devils head to the Emirates to face resurgent Arsenal on Saturday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United are mounting an unlikely title challenge with the Red Devils sitting in second position and if they are to going to compete for the league, it is imperative David De Gea is at the peak of his powers between the sticks.

READ MORE:  Opinion: Reality check on a bad night at the office for Solskjaer’s United

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