DAVID DE GEA has accepted responsibility for his role in Manchester United’s shambolic 4-0 drubbing at Brentford that left his side at the foot of the Premier League table.
De Gea gifted the first two goals to Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen before Ben Mee helped himself to a third and Bryan Mbeumo hit a stylish fourth on a chastening afternoon for the visitors, but a magnificent one for the Bees.
Volunteering for a Sky Sports interview afterwards, De Gea said: “I think I cost my team three points today. It was a poor performance from myself.
“After the first mistake and then the second, it was very tough to be playing and it was a horrible day. Of course, we should react better but the moment we are living now is tough, every time we concede a goal. I should’ve saved the first shot and probably the result would be different.”
On the second goal, which arrived after a short kick-out to Christian Eriksen was intercepted, he said: “Maybe I [should] have to read it better and kick it long. But, of course, we always try to play. But today they pressed hard and I should’ve read it better.”
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Despite a promising pre-season, United have endured their worst start to the season in 30 years.
“It is too easy to play in pre-season, you play for nothing,” the 31-year-old said. “Then when you have to play games that matters you need bravery, more consistent and be a proper player. It wasn’t the case today.”
Asked how his team can turn things around, he responded: “I’m not sure, to be honest. Everyone is improving a lot and feels like we’re on the same page. We must stick together.”
Erik ten Hag speaks to his players. PA
PA
Erik ten Hag blamed the players and not the plan after the game.
“He didn’t have to release the ball there because we gave options and the players have to choose,” insisted Ten Hag. “We said ‘invite them and play long’.
“I’m confident that he can do it – and on the second goal, OK. He showed already in training and in the first games he can do that.
“I don’t want to play from the back when it’s not possible. It was naive how we played today. You have to play more direct. It’s clear at this level that’s not the standard we want to act.”
Cristiano Ronaldo started and finished the match but Ten Hag still hauled off three players, Luke Shaw, Fred and summer signing Lisandro Martinez, at half-time.
“I subbed three but I could have changed them all,” he said. “We wanted to bring some fresh energy in the game, not specifically the ones who got subbed because I don’t think that’s honest to them.”
“It was a very good performance overall, I don’t think teams often win 4-0 in the Premier League, and definitely not against Manchester United,” said Bees boss Thomas Frank.
“This group of players keep showing me how good they are together. I don’t think it was a ‘4-0 win’, but it was a clear, deserved win.
“We deserve a huge amount of credit. It was definitely one of our top performances here.”
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De Gea: 'I cost my team three points today'
LAST UPDATE | 13 Aug 2022
DAVID DE GEA has accepted responsibility for his role in Manchester United’s shambolic 4-0 drubbing at Brentford that left his side at the foot of the Premier League table.
De Gea gifted the first two goals to Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen before Ben Mee helped himself to a third and Bryan Mbeumo hit a stylish fourth on a chastening afternoon for the visitors, but a magnificent one for the Bees.
Volunteering for a Sky Sports interview afterwards, De Gea said: “I think I cost my team three points today. It was a poor performance from myself.
“After the first mistake and then the second, it was very tough to be playing and it was a horrible day. Of course, we should react better but the moment we are living now is tough, every time we concede a goal. I should’ve saved the first shot and probably the result would be different.”
On the second goal, which arrived after a short kick-out to Christian Eriksen was intercepted, he said: “Maybe I [should] have to read it better and kick it long. But, of course, we always try to play. But today they pressed hard and I should’ve read it better.”
Despite a promising pre-season, United have endured their worst start to the season in 30 years.
“It is too easy to play in pre-season, you play for nothing,” the 31-year-old said. “Then when you have to play games that matters you need bravery, more consistent and be a proper player. It wasn’t the case today.”
Asked how his team can turn things around, he responded: “I’m not sure, to be honest. Everyone is improving a lot and feels like we’re on the same page. We must stick together.”
Erik ten Hag blamed the players and not the plan after the game.
“He didn’t have to release the ball there because we gave options and the players have to choose,” insisted Ten Hag. “We said ‘invite them and play long’.
“I’m confident that he can do it – and on the second goal, OK. He showed already in training and in the first games he can do that.
“I don’t want to play from the back when it’s not possible. It was naive how we played today. You have to play more direct. It’s clear at this level that’s not the standard we want to act.”
Cristiano Ronaldo started and finished the match but Ten Hag still hauled off three players, Luke Shaw, Fred and summer signing Lisandro Martinez, at half-time.
“I subbed three but I could have changed them all,” he said. “We wanted to bring some fresh energy in the game, not specifically the ones who got subbed because I don’t think that’s honest to them.”
“It was a very good performance overall, I don’t think teams often win 4-0 in the Premier League, and definitely not against Manchester United,” said Bees boss Thomas Frank.
“This group of players keep showing me how good they are together. I don’t think it was a ‘4-0 win’, but it was a clear, deserved win.
“We deserve a huge amount of credit. It was definitely one of our top performances here.”
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