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Newcastle star explains why David de Gea was Manchester United’s weak point

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Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy has explained how David de Gea gave them confidence they could beat Manchester United.

David de Gea‘s kicking has been a problem for Manchester United all season. His poor pass out from the back led to Newcastle’s first goal.

The goalkeeper’s weakness was discussed by Newcastle star Jacob Murphy in an interview with Five.

He said De Gea looked uncomfortable and set the tone for a poor performance from the Red Devils.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

United’s weak point

Murphy was asked by Rio Ferdinand whether there was a moment where they sensed Manchester United were not at the races.

The winger picked out a lack of confidence from De Gea as setting the tone for a poor display from the away side.

He explained: “Their first goal kick, De Gea was taking a while. This is a bit unusual, he was taking his time with it, he was asking everyone to go up field, then hit long.

“They were just taking a while, lots of pointing, I could sense from that, we were going to have a good game from there.”

Erik ten Hag has tried to work around David de Gea’s poor kicking, but it just isn’t working.

Alan Shearer told BBC Sport’s MOTD2: “Teams are quite happy to let him have the ball because they understand that’s a problem for Manchester United.”

De Gea made a couple of excellent reflex saves in the first half, but the bad outweighed the good on Sunday.

A common denominator in Newcastle’s two headed goals was De Gea being rooted to his line.

The goalkeeper’s contract is set to expire this summer, with no agreement currently in place over a renewal.