The Spaniard has enjoyed a strong start to the season in goal and produced man-of-the-match performances against West Ham United and Villarreal.
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has heaped praise on David De Gea’s attitude ahead of Saturday’s game against Everton in the Premier League. If De Gea plays against the Toffees at Old Trafford, it will be his 450th appearance in a United shirt since signing for the Reds. He will overtake Jack Silcock on the club’s all-time list, moving into the top 20. Rio Ferdinand (455 games) and Martin Buchan (456) will be next in his sights. The Spaniard has enjoyed a strong start to the season in goal and produced man-of-the-match performances against West Ham United and Villarreal. Solskjaer says that De Gea has risen to the challenge of increased competition at the club and international level.
“You know, people mature and players mature. You get different challenges in your career, he came up against a new challenge for him, I felt last season, didn’t play as much and of course with Spain as well,” Ole told club media. “But David has reacted as any professional should do, it’s hurting your pride a little bit that you don’t play as much and he’s getting towards that perfect age for a goalkeeper. He’s got experience, physically, he’s working really hard to be stronger and mentally, I have to say he’s been so, so positive. So, it’s down to him. And of course, the coaches that work with him every day, but him, that he decides, ‘okay, I’m here at Manchester United and I want to stay’.”
Ahead of the Everton clash, Solskjaer gave an update on the team news. “Luke [Shaw] trained this morning, he’s had a shoulder injury and been ill so hopefully he can join in tomorrow. Harry [Maguire] is obviously out. Marcus [Rashford] trained fully today, the first time in a while that he could join in properly, that he could be tackled, there was a few tackles flying in so that’s good. So, we should be okay,” he added.
“I don’t know how long it will take for Harry and his injury. Marcus is fit, worked really hard, but he’s not had any contact. If his shoulder can take the contact now, he should be ready after the internationals.”
Speaking about Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s two-game suspension in Europe, Ole said, “[I was] shocked. Yeah, we’re going to hand an appeal in of course, because he ends up almost with a three-game ban because it’s two thirds of the game he got sent off in, that one, and an extra one. If you look at other tackles in the Champions League, I can’t see any reason why he should have two games, or almost three as I said.”
Ole was asked about Jesse Lingard impacting the team from the bench and whether he will be in contention to starting games soon. “Of course. I understand, I’ve been a player, I’ve been on the bench probably more than anyone at this club. I understand sometimes you’re a little bit frustrated that you don’t play but you can’t let it affect yourself and your performance or your teammates. Jesse has come on and done really well more often than not. He’s bubbly, lively, picked for England again and of course he’s available to start for us because he’s a very, very good player,” he added.
