De Gea: We must perform well at Bournemouth

The Spanish goalkeeper was powerless to prevent Jay Rodriguez from nodding home the only goal of the game against the Baggies at the weekend, and revealed that the defeat has hit the team hard.

“It was a tough one to take,” said United’s no.1, while speaking to MUTV's Mark Sullivan as the team prepared to travel to the south coast.

“It was a real blow and we’re all a bit down. It was such an unexpected defeat. But the good thing is we have got a game coming right up on the back of this defeat. It’s a real chance to lift ourselves and get back to winning ways.”

United controlled the large majority of Sunday’s match, but were unable to convert a series of chances, in part due to the excellence of De Gea’s opposite number – and former United man – Ben Foster.

The Reds were then caught by a classic sucker-punch at the other end when Rodriguez scored, leaving them little time to respond.

But United have the perfect opportunity to bounce back against Bournemouth, not that De Gea and the Reds will be taking Eddie Howe’s side lightly.

“They’ve had a really good season, especially in the performances and the results they’ve gained at home. They’re quick all over the field, they’ve got some speedy forwards. Quite a few of the front players have got a good eye for goal, as well.

“It’s not an easy place to go,” admitted the United goalkeeper, referring to the Vitality Stadium, where the Cherries have claimed six of their nine Premier League wins. “It’s quite a small, compact place, a difficult ground to go and get a result. All that considered, we’ve still got to make sure that we perform well to try and get those three points. That’s the key.”

Jose Mourinho’s men will extend their lead over third-placed Liverpool to four points should they overcome Bournemouth, while the gap to Tottenham in fourth place would stretch to seven. The Reds meet Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs outfit on Saturday in a high-stakes Emirates FA Cup semi-final but, for now, De Gea and his team-mates are only considering their Premier League ambitions.

“What we have got to make sure of now is that we finish second. That’s what we’ve got to hope for league-wise. We’ve got to make sure we put in a good performance and get the win midweek and make sure we hold on to that second place.”