As reported by Laurie Whitewell of the Athletic, Manchester United’s David de Gea was comforted by Sir Alex Ferguson after missing a penalty that cost his side the Europa League final against Villarreal.
Whitwell reported that Sir Alex Ferguson came to console David De Gea, the player he had signed for Manchester United as a teenager.
It’s said that Ferguson then went with him in the tunnel as he tried to boost some confidence of the goalkeeper who was shattered after the loss.
Sir Alex Ferguson waited for David De Gea after medal ceremony + walked down tunnel with him. It’s 40 penalties in a row club + country he’s failed to save now.
Shouldn’t have needed fine margins vs Villarreal but that was one.
A night of mistakes #MUFChttps://t.co/9Y0bFYs9Kf
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) May 27, 2021
Ferguson didn’t shy away from making efforts to help United players, but ultimately the situation was quite sad for everyone. The record of David De Gea in saving penalties has been not so good and it was proved again. He has failed to stop 40+ penalties for club and country and it seems that starting him ahead of Henderson will certainly raise questions.
De Gea was the final one to take the penalty and the score was in Villarreal’s favour. De Gea needed to score to make it 12-12 but he didn’t. Rulli was able to make the save as United returned empty-handed.
Sir Alex Ferguson came to watch the match and provided a handful of important tips to the players. It was certainly not what he and the players expected.
The match ended in a dramatic fashion as both the teams failed to score even after extra time as scores were tied. Villarreal maintained their high defensive line by keeping it tight for United. United did create many chances but lacked the end product. Ultimately penalties were the only way to end the affair.
It was a rather disappointing night for Manchester United and Solskjaer.
