David keen to be Goliath!

Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea looks to make amends for their Europa League final loss to Villarreal as English Premier League club host Spanish side tonight

Manchester United cross paths with Villarreal once more on Wednesday in desperate need of a win to avoid another European embarrassment and ease the rising pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.  The Yellow Submarine emerged 11-10 winners from a marathon penalty shootout when the sides last met in the Europa League final in May to win their first ever major trophy. Defeat extended Solskjaer’s wait for silverware as United boss since taking charge in December 2019, but goalkeeper David de Gea was the fall guy in Gdansk. The Spanish international’s failure to stop a single Villarreal penalty was compounded when he was the only player from the 22 on both sides to fail to score from the spot. 

Still No. 1

At the time it looked like De Gea’s days as United No. 1 may be up, despite being one of the highest paid players in the EPL. Solskjaer had already handed the reins to Dean Henderson towards the of the EPL season and his decision not to at least bring on the England goalkeeper, who boasts a far better penalty record, became another stick with which to beat his management of the final. But Henderson’s health suffered badly after testing positive for COVID-19 during pre-season, giving De Gea the gloves for the start of the campaign.

Despite a mixed bag of results, United would be even worse off if it wasn’t for the De Gea’s return to form. He produced a series of miraculous saves as the Red Devils escaped with a 1-0 win at Wolves. “I try to train very well, to show that I’m ready and then go to the game with the same spirit, experience and quality for the team,” said De Gea. “I fell strong, I feel confident. I’m really happy and that’s the most important thing.” 

Meanwhile, Solskjaer admits Manchester United’s new signings have heightened trophy expectations after Gary Neville suggested the Norwegian was running out of time to deliver silverware. United are still searching for their first trophy since Solskjaer took charge in 2018.  Neville added to the pressure on his former United teammate when he said Solskjaer needs to win trophies because of the backing he has enjoyed in the transfer market.  Cristiano Ronaldo, England winger Jadon Sancho and France defender Raphael Varane joined United in the last transfer window, with Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani arriving in 2020. 

‘Pressure is privilege’

“That pressure is a privilege. To work in this environment, you have to embrace that pressure,” Solskjaer said. “Yes, I have been backed. The progress and process has worked well. But we’re in a results business. We’ve improved, expectations have improved with the signings and better performances. I’m here to win and Gary knows that.”

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