David De Gea

De Gea: How we’ve improved at the back

Monday 28 January 2019 15:20

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has praised the club’s recent defensive performances, acknowledging how his team-mates are allowing the opposition fewer chances and ultimately giving him fewer attempts to repel.

United have conceded just five goals in the eight games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so far, compared to 13 in the preceding eight, and the impressive showings at the back have provided a platform for the attacking players to produce headline-grabbing moments at the other end.

"We’ve continued to improve at the back, we’re conceding less for a start," said De Gea.
“I think we’re creating a lot more chances as well and we’re scoring goals as a result of that. I think the type of football we're playing is allowing us to get forward, score and with that, win games.

“It’s all about keeping this rhythm up. The main thing is keeping up this standard and hopefully the victories will keep coming,” he added.

De Gea admits he's been impressed by the players who operate immediately in front of him, with centre-backs Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof starting together in each of United's last three Premier League games.

“I think the form of Jones and Lindelof is absolutely vital for the team,” said the Spaniard.
 
“They’ve enjoyed some excellent form and been very, very good. I think as they continue to play together they get to know each other more and each other’s style of play even more.

“All the defenders have been doing well. I think when the defence plays well it gives a lot of confidence throughout the team and it’s not just that we’re conceding less goals, I think we’re giving away less chances as well, so long may it continue.”

Next up for United is a home clash with Burnley, a side we defeated 2-0 at Turf Moor in September, but Sean Dyche’s men have improved markedly since the start of the season and have won three of their last four Premier League games.

De Gea therefore expects the Clarets to provide the Reds with a tough Tuesday-night test at Old Trafford, but he's still confident his team is capable of stretching the current winning run to nine games in all competitions.
De Gea feels Jones and Lindelof have been in fantastic form recently.
“We know Burnley very, very well," said the shot-stopper. "We know their style of play, they try to put you under pressure and play a fairly direct style of play. 

“They play quite a few long balls and try to put us under pressure, but they’re also a very tough defence to break down. I think they come here on the back of a really good run, but at home, with our fans behind us, hopefully we can do things right and get the victory.

“Things are going well with the team,” he added. “We’re in a rich vein of form and we’re feeling good about ourselves.
“I think we’re dominating and controlling games more and we’re creating more chances than we were before. That’s given us a real boost of confidence and it’s important for us to try and continue in that way because the aim of everyone is to keep climbing up the table.

“I hope everything goes well between now and the end of the season,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the next few weeks and months, as it’s where the big trophies are decided. 

“We’ve got some nice games coming up, but obviously, very tough ones, but in particular we’ve got some good games coming up at home. 

“We’ve got the Champions League and the FA Cup as well - I’m just keen to get going with these important games. I think we are in a better vein of form than we have been obviously. It would be great - difficult, but great - if we can win a trophy. That’s what we all want.”

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