Fergie lashes de Gea critics

FA Cup Fourth Round: Man Utd v Fulham

Gary Neville was critical of the Manchester United goalkeeper in the aftermath of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham, when de Gea’s weak punch led directly to Clint Dempsey’s injury-time leveller.

That negative analysis led to a claim by former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys that Neville’s attack was ordered, although he did not say who by.

Neville was not alone in his opinion though, with Alan Hansen amongst those who felt de Gea had made the latest blunder of his fledgling career.

De Gea has received some backing, most notably from former United keeper Peter Schmeichel.

However, it seems Ferguson has no interest in any of it, and will instead cocoon de Gea within the United family to ensure he comes through this latest storm.

“You have to listen to some idiots in the game,” he said.

“It is better we deal with David de Gea rather than the press. I think we are quite good at that.

“He had a fantastic game and was 30 seconds away from that. I remember talking about how well he played and then 30 seconds from time the ball park changes.

“Outfield players maybe make 20 mistakes in a game. But they (goalkeepers) are in a crucial position.

“It is unfortunate for the lad but he has to deal with it and we will help him.”

That Ferguson felt United should have had a foul in the build-up to the goal only made the situation worse.

It goes some way to explaining his post-match attack on assistant referee Simon Beck, which he was asked to explain by the Football Association.

Ferguson’s response was delivered on Thursday night and he must now wait until Tuesday before discovering whether any charges are to be brought against him.

Clearly the United manager’s argument is he should be allowed to criticise Beck, although he suspects the matter has become personal.

“That is what I have put in my letter exactly. But you never know the FA,” he said.

“We are high profile and the profile of me is such that the FA naturally panic as soon as the press criticise them.

“I think that is what you will find. That is why they have sent me a letter.

“Whether I think it is unfair or not doesn’t matter to them really at this point.

“I just think it is more about me than what I have said.”

Dimitar Berbatov returns to Old Trafford today for the first time since his four-year United stay came to an end with a summer switch to Fulham.

Ferguson is adamant the Bulgarian should not be regarded as a £30 million failure at Manchester United.

“I don’t think Dimitar was a failure here,” said Ferguson.

“Some people like to see players run through brick walls all the time.

“Dimitar is not that type of player, but he is very talented player and he had a decent goalscoring record here.”

Wilfried Zaha, meanwhile, has agreed his £15m move to United and vowed to do all he can to ensure he gets to face Crystal Palace next season.

The 20-year-old will sign a long-term contract with the Old Trafford outfit over the weekend after he has come through a United medical.

He will then be loaned straight back to Palace, meaning he will have to maintain his focus on guiding Ian Holloway’s side back to the top flight rather than actually winning it, as would have been the case if United had kept hold of him.

But Zaha insists that will not be a problem.

“I have been at Palace for more than 10 years, I will always love the club and I want to help get them back to the Premier League, particularly for the fans who have always been so good to me,” Zaha said. “I am delighted to be joining Manchester United and ending the recent speculation. However my focus for the next five months will be solely at Crystal Palace.”

Ferguson said: “We like to sign young players with potential. We can also develop players well here. That has proved to be the case many times.”

Picture: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty