David de Gea has come in for some deserved stick after his error against Everton.
Much of it has been over the top. Look no further than the comments from Jamie O’Hara on Talksport on Monday morning.
“A player like David de Gea cannot afford to make a mistake like that. He’s arrogant, that’s his problem. He thinks he’s better than he is.”
It’s fine to question De Gea’s mindset, but calling him ‘arrogant’ doesn’t really fit.
O’Hara continued: “He’s on big money, he should be making saves. What you can’t accept, is him doing what he’s doing. It’s unacceptable, that’s something you see in non-league. Even then you’d be going mad.”
The pundit continued his criticism of the goalkeeper on Sky Sports’ The Debate on Monday night.
Be fair to De Gea
You can’t argue with Jamie O’Hara’s work ethic. He criticised De Gea on Alan Brazil’s breakfast show, and was still going late at night on Sky.
We get it. Negativity sells, and broadcasters want a soundbite. He was only too happy to provide it.
De Gea’s error is a legitimate talking point, but calling out his character is a misinformed way to go. If the goalkeeper was arrogant, he deserves to be.
He’s a four-time Manchester United player of the year. He’s been voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Season by his peers five times.
De Gea mistakes balanced out
De Gea cost United with his early error, but he more than redeemed himself with a number of top quality saves.
His performances in goal have been largely strong this season despite occasional errors. The performance he put in away at City in the Carabao Cup was outstanding.
His future is a genuine talking point. United have Dean Henderson waiting in the wings, and De Gea’s wages are a lot higher than the youngster’s.
Criticism and analysis of his error is fine. But there is a point where we have to stick up for him too.
De Gea is our best goalkeeper and has been for a long time. He’s entitled to believe in himself. Calling him arrogant and above himself is misguided and an attack on his character.
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