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29 March 2024

De Gea hailed as Man Utd's 'great talent'

Manchester United's David de Gea looks on as Daniel Agger of Liverpool scores the opening goal during the FA Cup fourth round match at Anfield on January 28 in Liverpool, England. (FILE)

Published
By Staff

Sir Alex Ferguson has rushed to the defence of under fire goalkeeper David de Gea in a bid to inspire him for the crunch Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The trip to Chelsea comes just eight days after a horror afternoon at Liverpool for De Gea who was largely blamed for Manchester United crashing out of the FA Cup.
 
De Gea missed the midweek clash against Stoke in which Ferguson was forced to field rookie Ben Amos as Anders Lindegaard has been ruled out for up to six weeks with ankle ligament damage.

In the immediate aftermath of last weekend's defeat, Ferguson blamed his defenders for crowding De Gea, not allowing him out to challenge for a cross Daniel Agger headed home unchallenged.
 
The Scot now concedes a more experienced keeper would have done something about it, revealing that De Gea is bulking up in a bid to cope with the more physical demands of the Premier League.
 
Although Fergie is in a dilemma as to who should line up between the posts against Chelsea, the United boss has paid tribute to the 'great talent' of de Gea and insisted the goalkeeper's current difficulties will not be remembered in two or three years.
 
Ferguson has a dilemma over who should line up between the posts for Sunday's crucial Premier League visit to Chelsea
 
"The boy has got a great talent," said Ferguson.
 
"He has made two or three mistakes but it two or three years' time we won't be discussing that at all because he will have matured.
 
"Then he will be realising his potential."

Ferguson accepts his £18 million summer arrival from Atletico Madrid has had a few teething troubles, but feels the Spaniard is being unfairly compared to past United greats.
 
He said: "It is harder when you are replacing Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel. They are probably two of the greatest goalkeepers in European football over the last 40 years.
 
"That is not easy. I found it difficult to replace them.
 
"That's why we went for a young replacement, who would develop and mature into the position because the potential is there."

Ferguson also believes errors are being magnified purely because of the club he plays for.

"When you make a mistake at United, it is highlighted and can be exaggerated a little bit," Ferguson explained.
 
"They are mistakes and he wants to address it himself. He will do through maturity and the understanding of the English game."