Coach backs De Gea to keep improving
24 Nov 2014 12:40 AM GMT
Louis van Gaal (in pic) is adamant David de Gea can still get better despite witnessing the Manchester United goalkeeper produce a superb performance in the 2-1 Premier League win against Arsenal. The Spanish number one kept the Gunners at bay with a man-of-the-match display at the Emirates to propel Manchester United into the top four for the first time this season.
De Gea made vital saves throughout to deny Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez before Olivier Giroud’s stoppage-time consolation in north London. Yet, although De Gea’s heroics combined with goals from Wayne Rooney and a Kieran Gibbs own goal gave United victory, Old Trafford boss van Gaal claims the best is all ahead of the 24-year-old stopper.
‘I think they were shots from outside the 60m. I have also played and when it is outside the 60m the goalkeeper has more benefit than the player. His quality is exactly on the line. I’m used to this quality. But he also has to improve in other aspects of the game. When I say that then you think I am crazy. But I am not crazy, believe me,’ said van Gaal.
Van Gaal was unimpressed by United’s performance, despite a first away win of the season, and highlighted the ease at which they conceded possession. ‘I have to say the first 35 minutes we gave the ball away so easily that it’s not possible for a top team. Because of that, Arsenal created a lot of chances. Fortunately we have a very good goalkeeper,’ he said.
De Gea made vital saves throughout to deny Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez before Olivier Giroud’s stoppage-time consolation in north London. Yet, although De Gea’s heroics combined with goals from Wayne Rooney and a Kieran Gibbs own goal gave United victory, Old Trafford boss van Gaal claims the best is all ahead of the 24-year-old stopper.
‘I think they were shots from outside the 60m. I have also played and when it is outside the 60m the goalkeeper has more benefit than the player. His quality is exactly on the line. I’m used to this quality. But he also has to improve in other aspects of the game. When I say that then you think I am crazy. But I am not crazy, believe me,’ said van Gaal.
Van Gaal was unimpressed by United’s performance, despite a first away win of the season, and highlighted the ease at which they conceded possession. ‘I have to say the first 35 minutes we gave the ball away so easily that it’s not possible for a top team. Because of that, Arsenal created a lot of chances. Fortunately we have a very good goalkeeper,’ he said.
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