A section of Manchester United fans heaped praise on goalkeeper David de Gea during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Southampton.
The Red Devils started their league campaign with a stunning 5-1 win over Leeds United, but they were far from their best against the Saints.
A Fred own goal gave the lead for the Saints in the 30th minute. The Brazilian dangled his left leg at Che Adams’ shot that deflected the ball past De Gea.
Mason Greenwood brought United level before the hour mark, but they could not secure a comeback win over the hosts, unlike the previous campaign.
They were somewhat lucky to avoid a defeat. Harry Maguire’s defensive error put Adam Armstrong clear on goal, but he was denied by De Gea.
The Spain international positioned himself perfectly and made a good save towards his left from a powerful shot by the Saints’ summer signing.
De Gea has received criticism from some fans in the past, but he had an assured performance between the sticks at St Mary’s yesterday.
A selection of United fans appreciated the 30-year-old’s efforts.
Twitter reactions:
De Gea was excellent today… pic.twitter.com/s1xSayzz1Y
— ChrisHazeArts – Elements on #foundation #MUFC 🔴🔥 (@PrinceChrisMUFC) August 22, 2021
Never appeared like we wanted maximum points. Looked disjointed. A big question around Fred-Matic selection together. Martial doesn't look like he if fighting for his place. Cavani Missed. Fantastic save from De Gea. Overall poor! #SOUMUN
— King Kong (@saziwe1) August 22, 2021
Have to hold up my hand and say without De gea we would have lost the game. Credit where it is due. #MUFC
— krishnan (@krishg1990) August 22, 2021
A crucial save from David de Gea against the Saints not only earned a point for United, but it also saved the blushes of his captain. #MUFC #GGMU #DeGea pic.twitter.com/W4P7Xe4ttK
— Man United Views (@man_utd_views) August 22, 2021
Most people don't educate themselves on goalkeeper positioning that's why, de Gea makes them look easy at times due to positioning, great save, see henderson positioning on salah goal last season. #MUFC #ManUtd https://t.co/OrqnBgD7RJ
— harshit nagpal (@harshitN1907) August 22, 2021
I celebrated that De Gea save like a goal, love seeing Dave prove the haters wrong
— Campbell♦️ (@CampbellMUFC) August 22, 2021
De Gea struggled to cement a regular starting role earlier this year, with Dean Henderson sharing the playing time alongside him.
The club graduate was preferred for the league games between March and May. De Gea was still picked for the Europa League final defeat to Villarreal.
His struggles in the penalty shoot-out led to fierce criticism from some supporters. The Spaniard will be aiming for a strong campaign this term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Read: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer criticises Fred after Manchester United’s draw at Southampton.
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