Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted David De Gea’s place is not guaranteed after enduring error-strewn in Manchester United’s FA Cup semifinal defeat to Chelsea.
Chelsea will face London rivals Arsenal in the final on August 1 thanks to a pair of embarrassing blunders from De Gea in United’s 3-1 loss at Wembley on Sunday.
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The Spaniard’s nightmare season hit a new low as he was at fault when Olivier Giroud’s shot trickled over the line late in the first half.
And David De Gea made an even worse mistake moments after the interval when he allowed Mason Mount’s shot to evade his weak attempted save.
Harry Maguire‘s own goal was also partly down to De Gea’s slow reactions as Manchester United lost for the first time in 20 games in all competitions despite Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty.
“He knows he should save that 100 times out of 100 but that’s football for you,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.
“I can’t speak for David De Gea’s confidence but he is mentally very strong. I made the decision to play him and mentally he was ready for it.”
Asked if De Gea would be replaced by Sergio Romero when United return to action against West Ham in Wednesday’s crucial Premier League clash, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would not rule out dropping his star.
“Obviously, everyone has to perform. Everyone has a chance every time we perform to stake a claim in the team,” he said.
“David knows he should have saved the second goal, but that’s done now and we have to look forward to Wednesday.”
“It’s hard for a keeper to make amends. David showed his character in the rest of the game with a few good saves.”
David De Gea’s future at United is sure to be scrutinised given the fine form of the club’s on-loan keeper Dean Henderson during his spell at Sheffield United this season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already labelled Henderson a future England No 1 and it would be no surprise if he is back at Old Trafford to challenge De Gea for the keeper’s jersey next season.
While the spotlight was on David De Gea, Chelsea were by far the better team as they reached the FA Cup final for the first time since they last lifted the trophy in 2018.
Manchester United had beaten Chelsea three times this season, but Lampard had the last laugh.
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“To win a semi is a great thing, but to win a final is the thing,” Frank Lampard said.
“We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves but we can certainly enjoy the performance and the result.”
“It is obviously right up there because of the size of the game and quality of the opponent.”
