‘He Is Not Reliable Like Before’, Gary Neville Slams Manchester United's Senior Player

Manchester United great Gary Neville has claimed that Red Devils’ goalkeeper David de Gea is not reliable anymore.

After a break of three months due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, Man Utd took on Tottenham in their Premier League returning fixture. However, a blunder from De Gea saw the Red Devils settle for a 1-1 draw and the result has further made their bid for a Champions League spot tough.

With 46 points, Man Utd are placed fifth in the Premier League table and are five points behind Chelsea, who won their latest match 2-1 against relegating side Aston Villa.

“He was the one player United could rely upon for the last four years but he's not the same. He hasn't been the same for some time. When form drops for six months it's a blip but when it goes on for a year you start to worry. When it goes over two years it becomes more permanent."

"That is now a fair representation of what De Gea is as he's making lots of mistakes. Ones he would never make - he was always somebody you could completely rely upon. It can only be a confidence thing. The arms, legs and body are the same - it's got to be the mind,” the former Man Utd defender said on the "Gary Neville Podcast".

Neville, who made 602 appearances for Man Utd between 1992 and 2011, further explained that De Gea has been struggling with his national side too and for that, the 29-year-old shot-stopper is booed regularly by the Spanish fans.

“The reception he's got in Spain has affected him. He's even been booed by Spanish fans when he's wearing the Spanish shirt. In the World Cup in 2018 he really struggled and from that, he's doubted himself. Mentally he's not quite the same,” Neville added.

Man Utd are next set to take on Sheffield United at home in the Premier League. Sheffield, placed seventh in the table, are just two points behind the Old Trafford side.