ERIK TEN HAG refused to stick the boot into calamity keeper David de Gea after his horrendous mistake condemned Manchester United to their ninth League defeat of the season.
The 32-year-old Spanish international has now committed nine errors which have led directly to goals over the past two seasons – more than any other top flight keeper.
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But boss ten Hag insisted: “We have the most clean sheets in the Premier League and we wouldn’t be in this position without him.
“Mistakes happen but he has my full belief and I have no concerns about him. We want him to stay and extend his contract.”
The result leaves United just one point ahead of firth-placed Liverpool, although they still have a game in hand on Jurgen Klopp’s men.
And ten Hag said: “Nothing changes. We could have made it easier with a result but we need three wins in four games and everything is still in our hands.
“We started well, created chances and dictated the game but then just like at Brighton in midweek one individual mistake cost us.
“We have to learn to stay calm and composed. We had some chances but we have to create more.
“Now, for the first time since Christmas, we have a full week to reset, reload and get the energy back to keep going.
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“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. What we need is for everyone to stick together, for individuals to take responsibility and if we play as a team we will get the points we need.”
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “De Gea has made a mistake today but that’s not the area I question him. Is he good enough a footballer to play for Manchester United?”
But captain Bruno Fernandes said: “We don’t need to focus on that mistake. He’s saved us so many times.”
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