Many Manchester United supporters wanted to see Dean Henderson come in against Manchester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not take the bold decision, and this reflected United’s performance in a drab 0-0 draw.
David de Gea was selected in goal, and he justified his inclusion.
The Spaniard came into the game under pressure after a midweek gaffe against Leipzig which was partially down to Harry Maguire too.
De Gea was singled out for criticism on BT Sport after the Leipzig game, with Paul Scholes calling his lack of bravery ‘criminal’.
De Gea is in the spotlight especially with Henderson waiting for his chance, so he deserves credit for stepping up against City.
He made one crucial save in the first half from Riyad Mahrez after De Bruyne had played him in on the counter attack.
With the goal gaping, De Gea stood firm to make a crucial one on one save with his foot.
He was largely untroubled for the rest of the fixture as United’s defence stood firm and limited City’s attack.
De Gea is always one big mistake away from being dropped with Henderson behind him, and he dealt with the pressure well.
Reaction
Even if a number of fans were underwhelmed or disappointed to see De Gea start, supporters were also quick to give praise where it was due and praise the goalkeeper for saving a draw.
- Squad numbers for all 13 of Manchester United’s World Cup stars
- Kobbie Mainoo identifies most important lesson he learned under Ruben Amorim after Man Utd difficulties
- How Manchester United must respond to Manchester City’s bid for Elliot Anderson
- Senne Lammens value skyrockets 150 per cent since Man Utd move, one of the most valuable in the world
- Gordon Strachan shares honest verdict on Tyler Fletcher being called up to Scotland’s World Cup squad
- Man Utd transfer latest: Mateus Fernandes, Elliot Anderson, William Gomes, Bazoumana Toure
- Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2026/27
- Glazer family members consider Manchester United stake sale, claim Bloomberg
- Forget Fernando Torres, Nemanja Vidic now names three ‘more difficult’ opponents he faced at Man Utd
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
