'Brilliant': Erik ten Hag praises Man Utd star after 'turning point' vs Fulham

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag heaped praise on goalkeeper David de Gea following the 2-1 comeback win over Fulham in the Premier League.

The Red Devils finished their top-flight campaign with a fourth-straight win but the result was far from straightforward after a sluggish start at Old Trafford.

Kenny Tete opened the scoring in the 19th minute for the Cottagers and few moments later, the visitors were gifted a penalty after a foul from Casemiro.

Aleksandar Mitrovic stepped up to convert the spot kick but the Serbian was denied his goal after a splendid save towards the bottom left corner from De Gea.

This was undoubtedly the turning point for the Red Devils. The club managed to pull level before half-time after a fortuitous tap-in goal through Jadon Sancho.

Shortly after the break, Fred played a disguised through-ball for Bruno Fernandes, who timed his run into the box before chipping his shot beyond the onrushing Bernd Leno.

United were largely in control after taking the lead and speaking after the game, Ten Hag was delighted with the brilliant penalty save from De Gea between the sticks.

He told Manutd.com: “I think it was the turning point. The save David made was brilliant: it stimulated the team to get into that intensity and pick up the game and win it, and we scored two great goals.”

De Gea has had a mixed campaign with the Red Devils. He recently won the Premier League Golden Glove with 17 clean sheets but has been guilty of making howlers too.

His recent blunders against Sevilla and West Ham United led to serious questions over his United future but Ten Hag has continued to support him publicly.

The 32-year-old has repaid the faith with a string of impressive performances lately. His penalty save against Fulham was his first at Old Trafford in nine years.

De Gea, who is close to penning a new long-term deal, could have another busy game in goal when United face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3.

The Cityzens will go into the game as favourites but United have the capacity to stun Pep Guardiola’s side. De Gea will have to be careful with his decision-making.

With City known for their regular high pressing, the Spaniard needs to be more precise with his distribution and should not take much time on the ball.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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