Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was ‘close to tears’ after his side’s Premier League defeat to fierce rivals Manchester City on Wednesday night, according to reports.
The Spanish shot-stopper has conceded six times in his last two appearances as the Red Devils’ form – and his own – has evaporated, losing 4-0 to Everton at Goodison Park and then succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at home to City.
De Gea has not been at his usual faultless best this season, making a costly error at the Camp Nou as United exited the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona.
His form has been no better in the Premier League, and, according to the Daily Mail, he took the defeat against City particularly to heart after letting in two saveable goals.
The 28-year-old was reportedly on the verge of tears in the dressing room afterwards, while his mood barely improved at training at Carrington on Thursday as his teammates struggled to console him.
The worry for De Gea is that his excellent career at Old Trafford is coming to a rather sour end, with the Spaniard out of contract in 2020 and stalling on extending his stay.
According to the Mail, United have always maintained that they are willing to risk letting contract talks continue into the new season even though De Gea will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs come January, just eight months away.
Solskjaer on De Gea’s mistakes against City
‘I think David made some terrific saves as well today. It is every day work for everyone. He has high standards, he’s working really hard to improve. When we are having a time like this we need to stick together, batten the hatches down and keep working. We have to come back fighting on Sunday.’
However, if there are no developments in talks and Paris Saint-Germain’s interest solidifies, United could change their stance.
The Red Devils will need De Gea at his best on Sunday when Chelsea visit Old Trafford, with defeat to the Blues all but ending their hopes of a top-four finish; Solskjaer’s side are currently in sixth place, four points off the Champions League places.
