Roy Keane was critical of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea before the Red Devils’ FA Cup third-round clash with Everton and the ex-Old Trafford captain was proven right in the first half when Conor Coady punished an embarrassing blunder from the Spaniard. The hosts raced into an early lead when £86million summer signing Antony was on hand to tap home at the back post following great work from Marcus Rashford.
But United’s 1-0 lead was short-lived as Everton levelled things up courtesy of the England international centre-back, who was the fox in the box for Frank Lampard’s under-fire Toffees.
The ball was cut-back back by striker Neal Maupay and De Gea struggled to keep it out of the danger zone as it squeezed through his legs and across the face of the empty goal.
Coady was on hand to gratefully tap home and Everton simply couldn’t believe their luck following the horror error from De Gea after enduring a nightmare start at Old Trafford.
Prior to kick-off, ruthless pundit Keane was quizzed on United’s upturn in form but he refused to jump on the bandwagon with his old side, instead criticising some of the flaws he still feels are present within Erik ten Hag’s side.
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De Gea’s long-term future at United remains in doubt with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
United are believed to be considering the prospect of replacing their No 1 in the summer following another mixed campaign.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland has been signed on loan to replace Martin Dubravka, who has returned to Newcastle following an unsuccessful loan.
Ten Hag has since taken the time to explain the decision, stating he cannot afford to run the risk of having only two senior goalkeepers.
“Martin [Dubravka] was recalled and now to set up we need three experienced goalkeepers, we have some young ones and they do well,” Ten Hag said on Thursday.
“But we have so many games, so you need three good goalies in training but also when problems are coming you need experience in goal to get your goals, what you are aiming for.
“Last year I had a situation with Ajax where we had three goalies injured, and you don’t want a position that you play for trophies, and you have to put in a young keeper, you can’t expect it, and also kill your season.”
United are also exploring the January transfer market for another forward signing as they seek to replace Cristiano Ronaldo following his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.