Former Red Devils star Andy Cole is convinced that Manchester United’s struggles would have been a lot worse this season and probably lounging in mid-table in the league were it not for the saving grace of David de Gea’s scintillating form.
De Gea’ form had been superlative on Tuesday night, producing a spectacular save from a Jakub Moder header in the first half and gained the honor of becoming the first goalkeeper in six years to win the Premier League Player of the Month accolade for his exemplary performances for Manchester United in the month of January.
Former United legend Cole highlighted that the Manchester club would likely be struggling in mid-table in the Premier League this season were it not for De Gea’s form as the 31-year-old has made the most number of saves in the Premier League this season, a statistic that Cole feels has prevented United from sliding further down the table at the moment.
The United legend is firmly of the opinion that the Reds have been direly lacking this season and De Gea’s form has prevented a free-fall and said on Premier League TV after the win over Brighton: “Without this guy’s form, Manchester United are mid-table.
“I don’t think anyone can argue about that. His form this season has been unbelievable.
“That tells me Manchester United are nowhere near where they should be.
“Defensively they are not where they should be at, midfield they are not where they should be at and upfront, they are not scoring enough goals.
“Without that man, I think they would be really struggling.”
There are still 18 months left on De Gea’s contract and Manchester United are expected to offer him a new deal later this year.