Reds rally around De Gea
Manchester United players past and present have expressed their support for David De Gea following a tough evening for the Spaniard in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
With the game level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, Villarreal were triumphant on penalties, going on to lift the trophy following an incredible 11-10 win in the shoot-out in Gdansk.
After the first 21 spot-kicks were scored between the two sides, it was De Gea’s effort from 12 yards out which proved to be decisive, with his goalkeeping counterpart Gerónimo Rulli getting down to his left to save the effort and win the final for the Spanish side.
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While the Yellow Submarine’s players and coaching staff celebrated on the pitch, United team-mates flocked to console De Gea as he made his way back towards the halfway line.
That show of support for the 30-year-old has since been backed up on social media by a pair of David's compatriots.
Juan Mata was one of the first to go over to the goalkeeper at the end of the game and he continued to stick up for him via Instagram on Thursday afternoon.
Juan posted: “We win and we lose. Always together. Always with you @d_degeaofficial.”
Former United midfielder Ander Herrera also offered his commiserations to the ‘keeper via Instagram, posting a picture of himself alongside De Gea and Mata from the club's Europa League final win in 2017. He captioned it:
“Football has given me friends for life. Always by your side @d_degeaofficial.”
De Gea posted this response on Instagram: “To fall and rise. Learn from the experience, fight again and win. Thanks for your support."
The Spaniard's team-mates have also expressed a more general need for unity and to move forward from the defeat, including skipper Harry Maguire and our goalscorer in the final, Edinson Cavani.
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Other players who used Instagram to emphasise the importance of the Reds sticking together included starter Eric Bailly, unused substitutes Amad and Brandon Williams, and a man who came off the bench to take a successful penalty, Alex Telles.
Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24): "Frustrated by last night's match. These are not easy times. Thanks to all the fans for your support in good times and bad. It's time to rest with the family and come back stronger."
Amad (@amaddiallo19): “We are all disappointed, but it must make us stronger. Thank you to the supporters who accompanied us throughout the season. United today, United forever.”
Brandon Williams (@branwilliams): “Minor setbacks - major comebacks. Win or lose we stick together as one.”
Alex Telles (@alextelles13): “All together, when we win and when we lose! Thank you for your support.”