David de Gea has been a constant in Manchester United's goal for more than a decade, but is his future at Old Trafford in doubt?
The Spaniard committed a terrible error that allowed Said Benrahma to score the game-winning goal for West Ham on Sunday, jeopardizing the Red Devils' chances of finishing in the top four.
The 32-year-old has now made four errors leading to goals in all competitions this season, tying Hugo Lloris for the most of any Premier League player.
De Gea stated in February that contract talks at Old Trafford would "end in a good way" and that he was "enjoying it." However, for many fans and pundits, this may be one too many errors.
"If he's in contract negotiations, making mistakes like that is never going to help," ex-Liverpool, Tottenham, and Stoke striker Peter Crouch told BT Sport.
"He's been a top-tier goalkeeper for many years, but it seems like he's making big mistakes in big games right now."
"We can't sugarcoat David de Gea's performance." "It's a dreadful mistake that you can't defend."
Jermaine Jenas, a former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder, was equally critical, telling BT Sport: "That's beyond shocking." His team is in complete control of the game, and let one in like that is unacceptable. He'll recognize himself."
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, added, "It's a bad mistake." He will accept full responsibility.
"His left foot slips slightly, but that's no excuse; he's making full contact with the ball." He's not stretching and putting his fingertips on it."
'Everyone must accept responsibility.'
De Gea's pedigree is undeniable. Since joining United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, he has made over 500 appearances, winning the club's player of the year award four times and lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League medals.
Unsurprisingly, manager Erik ten Hag defended the player, noting that he is in contention for the Premier League Golden Glove after keeping 15 clean sheets this season - two more than anyone else.
"Mistakes are part of football, and in this team, you have to deal with them and bounce back because it's a team sport," the Dutchman explained.
"Over the course of the season, he had the most clean sheets, and we did it as a team." It's football, so anything may happen, but everyone must accept responsibility."
However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, errors like Sunday are unlikely to help discussions and will force the Red Devils manager to make a choice.
According to Ferdinand, Ten Hag may make a move because to De Gea's proficiency with his feet rather than any issues with his shot-stopping.
"The question mark about him, I think, is whether he's good enough with his feet to play the Erik ten Hag way," he explained.
"He made a mistake today in terms of shot-stopping, but that's not the area where I question him." Is he talented enough to play for Manchester United?
"The only person who can answer that question is Erik ten Hag, and we'll know at the end of this season."
"It's a strange one," Crouch said, "because he's conceded goals from his own mistakes, but he's also kept the most clean sheets in the league."
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