"He's not a fantastic footballer" - Paul Scholes slams Manchester United star after embarrassing defeat to Sevilla
Paul Scholes took a dig at David de Ge after the goalkeeper's role in Sevilla's opening goal against Manchester United on Thursday (April 20).
The Red Devils went into the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals against Sevilla after drawing the first leg 2-2 at Old Trafford last week. They hadn't lost against a La Liga side in seven games before facing Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
United's game plan went out the window in the first eight minutes after a howler from De Gea and Harry Maguire gifted Sevilla their opener. The centre-back asked the Spaniard to pass the ball to him despite being pressed by three Sevilla players.
De Gea played the ball to his captain's feet, who lost it under pressure from the opposition. That resulted in a simple chance for Youssef En-Nesyri, who made no mistake.
Scholes gave both players grief for their role in the hosts' opening goal but had extra words for De Gea, who he believes is 'not a fantastic footballer'. The former Manchester United midfielder said on BT Sport (h/t Eurosport):
"David de Gea has been a fantastic goalkeeper, but he's not a fantastic footballer,” he added. It's not a bad pass, and I know Harry Maguire wanted it, but you have to read the situation and what's going on in the stadium. I don't know why he wants the ball."
He added:
"Regardless of the manager wanting you to play, just read the situation. Read the atmosphere of what's going on. It's not a place for that. They fell into the trap of playing those passes, because Sevilla were so aggressive in getting to the ball."
Sevilla scored two more goals without reply, including En-Nesyri's 81st-minute strike, which resulted from De Gea botching a simple clearance.
David de Gea in line for new Manchester United contract
David de Gea is reportedly in line for a new Manchester United contract, which will extend his Old Trafford stay beyond the summer.
As per ESPN, there's an option to extend De Gea's existing contract by another year. However, the Red Devils hope to have the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper on a reduced salary before the start of next season.
The new deal would see De Gea's basic wages being reduced but would carry large performance-related incentives. He's believed to be earning around £350,000 in weekly wages at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old, as evidenced in Manchester United's defeat against Sevilla, leaves a lot to be desired with his ability on the ball. His passing abilities have also come under the scanner a number of times in recent years.