De Gea made a number of error's in Saturday's loss to Liverpool in the FA Cup. None were more glaring than when he was caught out of position on Daniel Agger's first-half goal, and when Dirk Kuyt thumped the game winner past him at the near post. His unassured display highlights the greatest risk to United's challenge for trophies both this season and beyond.
The 21-year-old has appeared in 20 games in all competitions in his first season in Manchester. He's earned more headlines for bobbles, drops and other goalkeeping calamities than anything else. Though he did manage to hold onto a Krispy Kreme doughnut last September, to be fair. His shaky play in goal saw him relegated to the bench, and Saturday's game was his first appearance since Dec. 31.
Ferguson faces the same dilemma many managers face when it comes to young players. De Gea needs to play games in order to restore his confidence and fulfill his potential. Lengthy stretches on the bench can only hinder his development. But his mistakes are costing Manchester United games and points in the standings. Old Trafford is not the best place for on-the-job learning.
A good goalkeeper should have a calming influence on the game. A defender's job is hard enough, and a good goalkeeper is there to cover his or her mistakes. Results are often harsher on teams with a shaky goalkeeper because they concede goals that their play may not deserve.
Agger scored against the run of play in a half that United largely controlled. But De Gea's current form leaves the very real prospect of United conceding whenever it loses the ball or is in a set-piece situation.
United shelled out £18 million ($28.3 million) to buy De Gea from Spanish club Atletico Madrid. The club thought he was a worthy investment, and that his addition would secure its future between the posts. That could happen one day, but De Gea is robbing United's present day fortunes.
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Photo via LiverpoolFC.tv
