De Gea: Home support can drive us through
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is already champing at the bit for our Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford.
The Reds drew 1-1 in the first leg at the Spanish side’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium, meaning it is still all to play for in the return meeting on 15 March.
David relished being out on the pitch in Madrid, for his first game back at his former club since he departed for United in 2011, and he is now eagerly anticipating next month’s decisive contest.
Speaking in the aftermath of Wednesday’s draw, our goalkeeper highlighted the impact our home crowd could have on the night.
David relished being out on the pitch in Madrid, for his first game back at his former club since he departed for United in 2011, and he is now eagerly anticipating next month’s decisive contest.
Speaking in the aftermath of Wednesday’s draw, our goalkeeper highlighted the impact our home crowd could have on the night.
David: How it felt to return Video
David: How it felt to return
De Gea describes how it felt to be back at his former club, before previewing the second leg...
“It’s going to be massive, I can’t wait for the game,” De Gea expressed.
“It’s always a special night when you play in the Champions League at Old Trafford. The atmosphere is crazy, it’s unbelievable, and hopefully with the energy of the fans and the intensity that we have then it will be a good game for us.
“We have to play better and win the game.”
While David acknowledges there is plenty of room for improvement on the performance in Madrid, he feels Anthony Elanga’s late equaliser has given the Reds a great platform for progressing into the next round.
“It was a massive goal and there is everything to play for at Old Trafford.
“For sure we have to improve, and play better to beat Atletico Madrid. So let’s keep improving and be together.”
“It was a massive goal and there is everything to play for at Old Trafford.
“For sure we have to improve, and play better to beat Atletico Madrid. So let’s keep improving and be together.”
Highlights: Atletico Madrid v United Video
Highlights: Atletico Madrid v United
Here's a reminder of how the first leg unfolded in our Champions League last-16 tie...
For now though, the Reds’ immediate attentions return to matters in the Premier League and the fight to earn a spot in next season’s Champions League.
David is keen for United to push on in the top-four race as well as in Europe, to maximise the club's prospects of playing against top sides like Atletico next season too.
“We all fight just to be in games like today. To be in the biggest competition in Europe,” he told MUTV.
“So now we have to be very focused. [We want to] give 100 per cent in the next game against Atletico Madrid and be sure that we perform very well and [if we do that], we’ll beat them.”
David is keen for United to push on in the top-four race as well as in Europe, to maximise the club's prospects of playing against top sides like Atletico next season too.
“We all fight just to be in games like today. To be in the biggest competition in Europe,” he told MUTV.
“So now we have to be very focused. [We want to] give 100 per cent in the next game against Atletico Madrid and be sure that we perform very well and [if we do that], we’ll beat them.”
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