The Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea set two Premier League records in Sunday’s win against Leeds at Elland Road.
David de Gea became the first non-British player to make 400 Premier League appearances for one club after keeping a clean sheet in Manchester United’s 0-2 win at Leeds United on Sunday. The Spanish goalkeeper joined United in a five-year, £19 million deal from Atlético Madrid in June 2011. He helped United win the Premier League in his second season and has since added both domestic cups -the FA Cup and EFL Carabao Cup to his list of honours.
His landmark appearance at Elland Road also makes him the first goalkeeper in Premier League history to make 400 appearances for the same club. Leeds couldn’t find a way past De Gea as late goals from Marcus Rashford and substitute Alejandro Garnacho made sure United travel home with all three points. After the game, De Gea preferred to praise his team mates rather than receive it himself for his own achievements. “It was everything, from the beginning of the game, we knew we’d come to a very difficult pitch, but we fought until the end,” he told MUTV. “We knew the first 10 minutes of both halves were massive, so keep a clean sheet, big for us, and then we score two goals. It’s a special game and a special win. We knew the first goal was important and it was a perfect cross from Luke Shaw. He is playing very well and then Rashy, who is on fire, is scoring lots of goals, helping the team, running, pressing and I think he’s playing at the top level, so a massive goal for us and then we controlled the game”.
The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, though United have an option to trigger a one-year extension, and there have been talks regarding an agreement for a longer renewal.
Today’s win keeps Ten Hag’s men third in the table on 46 points, five behind leaders Arsenal, who have two games in hand. Next up for United is Thursday’s trip to Barcelona in the Europa League before Leicester visit Old Trafford in the Premier League three days later.
Two late goals for Manchester United from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho ensured they closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points.
Leeds had pressed and harried the visitors for much of the afternoon and could have led but for some wayward finishing with United’s quality eventually telling in the end.
On a fevered afternoon at Elland Road, the game at times appeared a throwback to a bygone era with tackles flying in and referee Paul Tierney often opting to let the game flow.
Sportsmail’s Chris Wheeler takes a look at some of the things you may have missed from Elland Road
Alfred Schreuder watches on for manager-less Leeds
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear used his column in the match programme to reassure fans that the search for a new manager is ‘well advanced’, and possibly even more so than we thought judging by Alfred Schreuder’s presence at Elland Road.
Schreuder, who replaced Erik ten Hag at Ajax but was sacked by the Dutch club last month, has emerged as a strong contender to succeed Jesse Marsch at Leeds.
Leeds are keen to make an appointment before Saturday’s crunch clash with Everton and have had little joy in their attempts to prise Andoni Iraola from Rayo Vallecano.
They were also rejected by Feyenoord’s Arne Slot while West Brom’s Carlos Corberan was considered also but chose to sign a longer contract at the Hawthorns.
Schreuder was installed as the bookmakers favourite late on Saturday evening after a flurry of bets.
Relegation rivals provide must-win games
Defeat saw Leeds equal their club record of nine Premier League games without a win in the same season, first set in 1997. They now face two crucial games in the battle for survival against fellow strugglers Everton and Southampton.
Super sub Garnacho continues to shine
Alejandro Garnacho responded to Erik ten Hag’s criticism of his finishing in the midweek draw with Leeds at Old Trafford by taking his chance here. The teenager has now been involved in four goals off the bench this season with two goals and two assists – more than any other player.
De Gea marks his 400th cap with a clean sheet
David De Gea became the first goalkeeper – and first non-British player – to make 400 Premier League appearances for one club as he kept a clean sheet at Elland Road.
The Spaniard played his part in United’s victory, making a crucial save one-on-one from Crysencio Summerville moments before Marcus Rashford headed the visitors in front.
De Gea, who remains in talks with United over a new contract to replace his current £375,000-a-week deal, said: ‘Today wasn’t about 400, it was about winning and we did it so now I can enjoy it.’
Maguire looks unconvincing in first team return
Given that Marcel Sabitzer was having to make only his second start for United in the space of five days due to the lack of midfield options open to Ten Hag, and Jadon Sancho his first since October on the right wing, it was a bold call by the United manager to tinker with his back-four.
Harry Maguire made the starting line-up in the Premier League for only the fifth time this season – and looked decidedly shaky at times – with Luke Shaw playing alongside him in central defence. ‘One part is rotation, the other part is tactics,’ said Ten Hag before kick-off.
As at Old Trafford on Wednesday, it was only when Ten Hag made changes midway through the second half – particularly sending on Lisandro Martinez for Malacia and switching Shaw to left-back – that United looked more comfortable and were rewarded with two goals.
