Here at Stretford End it’s time to review how each Manchester United player fared during the 2018-19 season. Over the course of the season, some players performed better than others. But undoubtedly, a few were more consistent than others. And it’s time to take a look at an individual analysis for each and every single player that saw regular (or semi-regular) action within the first team during the current term.
We will begin our yearly review analysing the performance of our starting goalkeeper, David De Gea.
What do the numbers say?
Without a doubt, De Gea was the team’s top-choice between the posts during the entire season. And the numbers back that statement up. The Spain international started 37 out of 38 Premier League contests, and he was nothing short of spectacular for the side. He logged 3,330 minutes and only conceded 28 goals, averaging 0.75 goals per game or one every 118 minutes of action. As if that wasn’t enough, he also kept 18 clean sheets.
De Gea also started six Champions League matches (three goals allowed and four clean sheets), two FA Cup matches (two goals conceded) and the European Super Cup, where he allowed two goals against Real Madrid in the first game of the season.
If we count all competitions, De Gea registered 46 appearances (4,140 minutes), allowed 35 goals and kept 22 clean sheets. Without a doubt, he confirmed his place among the best goalkeepers in the world.
Was he an important player for the club?
Plain and simple: De Gea was a key reason why the team finished in second place in the Premier League standings. At times Manchester United didn’t have many ideas on the attacking end, and struggled to pose much of a threat to the opposing defenders. But every time that happened, De Gea was there to save United’s money. After all, there’s a reason why he led the Premier League with 18, two more than Ederson (Manchester City) and three more than Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea).
As it has been the trend during the past few seasons, De Gea remains a key, influential piece for Manchester United.
Projection for the 2018-19 season
The Spanish goalkeeper should remain with the club going forward. He is under contract until the end of the 2018-19 season, but has an alternative to extend it for one more year.
There are lots of transfer rumours regarding De Gea’s potential exit from Old Trafford. But don’t panic, United fans. He is not going anywhere. So we can expect him to remain guarding the posts for The Red Devils for the foreseeable future.
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