"I would certainly take him" - Pundit urges PL club to sign ex-Manchester United star David de Gea in January
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has made a bold proposition to Newcastle United, asking them to sign former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. This advice comes at a critical moment for Newcastle, following their 4-1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur, which was marred by errors by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp did not hide his thoughts about Newcastle's current predicament. After their 4-1 loss on Sunday (December 10), he said (via X account Geordie Boot Boys):
“I would say so after what he did at Man United last year. How long it would take him to get up to match speed who knows, but I would certainly take him. Nick Pope looks like it could be four or five months when you’ve got a goalkeeper of that quality I would do it rather than wait.”
Nick Pope has had to deal with a shoulder injury that requires surgery, which will sideline him for a significant portion of the remainder of the season. This loss for the Magpies has left them in the hands of Dubravka, who stumbled against Spurs.
His performance was poor, as he was widely seen as the cause of nearly all their four goals, including the penalty, which he conceded. Dubravka fouled Son Heung-min in the box in the 85th minute and the south Korean forward then converted the resulting penalty.
The suggestion from Redknapp comes amid swirling rumors linking De Gea with a move to Newcastle. The former Manchester United goalkeeper has experience and a proven track record at the highest level of football. These could be just the tonic Newcastle need to revive their poor fortune. They have lost three of their last five league games.
The Spaniard has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United in the summer following the expiration of his contract.
Bruno Fernandes' apology after Manchester United stumble against Bournemouth
Following Manchester United's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on December 9, skipper Bruno Fernandes openly shouldered responsibility and issued an apology for the team's dismal performance. The Portuguese midfielder acknowledged the lack of effort and quality that led to United's surprising defeat, their first-ever home loss to Bournemouth.
Speaking after the game, he said (via Nigerian Sports outlet Punch):
“I want to apologise for the performance. It was not acceptable, starting with me. I’m not talking about anyone else. But I think everyone agrees in the dressing room that the performance was (not) at our level and we have to perform much better."
He added:
“It was underperforming quality-wise, effort-wise and not as aggressive as we were in the last game against Chelsea. If you don’t do your job, you’re not going to win the game.”
The loss, marked by subpar play from Erik ten Hag's side, was a source of frustration for fans. Despite opportunities to narrow the margin, Manchester United's efforts were futile, as they were unable to score a single goal. They had 20 attempts on goal with three being on target.