Solskjaer backs De Gea after Manchester derby

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has thrown his support behind goalkeeper David De Gea and revealed our no.1 is working hard to meet the high standards that he has set.

The Spaniard made a series of good saves in the first half of Wednesday's derby against Manchester City, to twice deny Raheem Sterling and also Bernardo Silva, but he could not stop the latter from cutting a low shot into the bottom corner of his near post at the start of the second period.

Our usually-impeccable stopper was then visibly angered after he was unable to kick away Leroy Sane’s shot as City doubled their advantage.

De Gea’s performance was a subject of conversation in the post-match press conference and Solskjaer was quick to back his man, stating that David – and everyone else in the squad – is working hard to improve at a time in the season when a strong team dynamic is absolutely pivotal.

“I think David made some terrific saves tonight,” the manager told reporters. “David’s got high standards he’s set himself. He’s working really hard to improve. That's everyday work for everyone.

“When we are having a time like this, we have just got to stick together, batten the hatches down and make sure we don’t do anything rash, anything stupid and keep working and stick together as a team, because we have to come back fighting on Sunday.”

De Gea’s preference to make saves with any part of his body and often his feet has helped him to become one of the world’s best goalkeepers, with his unique technique earning much acclaim.

While the 28-year-old could have done better with Sane’s goal, his overall quality cannot be questioned and even former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is backing his United counterpart.

“He should make that save because it’s his style,” said Hart on Sky Sports. “He’s top quality at that. He’s just mistimed it. He’s gone to go with the sole of his boot and it's hit him higher up the leg. His style is to be low down. At the moment it’s not going for him. Nine times out of ten he makes that save.

“He's a top goalkeeper,” continued Hart, now at Burnley. “I've never seen a keeper like him. I love watching him, he’s so brave, you can’t knock him. He could pass the ball, make a mistake and concede a goal but he would still be the same goalkeeper, making the same decisions.

“He's a human being who cares about his football and playing for Manchester United. I'm sure he just wants to get back to the level and be their best player - saving them at every opportunity.”