United’s saving grace emerges
Whilst Manchester United left Madrid yesterday following their draw with Jose Mourinho’s Real feeling it could have been even better, they were also aware had it not been for De Gea, they could well have been out of the tie.
From his brilliant five-minute save to tip Fabio Coentrao’s curling shot on to a post, to the unorthodox manner in which he kept the full-back out deep in the second half, De Gea was outstanding.
It was not perfect; he missed a couple of crosses for a start.
But given the criticism that has been heaped on the 22-year-old virtually since his arrival at Old Trafford at the beginning of last season, it was a fine effort from De Gea, and one which suggests his United career has been written off a bit too soon.
“There is no bigger pressure cooker really than this stage of the Champions League and coming to a place like the Bernabeu,” said Carrick.
“He was coming back home as well, so there was an extra spotlight on him. Some of his saves kept us in the games at times. It just showed what he is all about.”
In theory, De Gea has been shielded from some of the sharper observations about his lack of physicality and unsuitability for the English game as he does not speak the language.
As if to prove the point, he answered questions in the pre-match press conference in his native tongue.
Yet, apparently, he does have a grasp of English, enough to be hurt by the comments made about him.
Carrick has endured similar brick-bats at times. His advice is to take no notice.
“It is never nice when people question you but that is natural at a club like Manchester United,” he said.
“You are always getting questioned and criticised. That is just how it is. That is fine. You have to deal with it.
“He is a top keeper and he is only going to get better. To play at this club at such a young age and have so much on your shoulders, says enough.”
De Gea, however, is refusing to accept having the last laugh on his critics until United’s Champions League mission is complete.
Despite the 1-1 first-leg draw, De Gea knows the job is only half done. And he is expecting it to be equally tough in the second leg at Old Trafford on March 5.
“The party is not over,” he said.
“We are talking about Real Madrid, one of the world’s best. They still have to come to us. It was a good result for us though, one we deserved.”
Reflecting on his second save to deny Coentrao, De Gea said: “It all happened so fast. I got across and was lucky enough to save it with my feet.
“Overall, I am very happy with my performance. I am improving at Old Trafford and I am very happy.”
Carrick is reading nothing into the fact Real must face Barcelona twice before the return leg on March 5 whilst his own side have relatively straightforward assignments as they try and a defend an imposing 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
“I am not sure we have won the league yet,” said Carrick. “There is a long way to go in that respect.
“The second leg is a one-off game. Who is playing who beforehand doesn’t count for much.
“They have their schedule and we have ours. On the night, both teams will be ready.”
The onus will be on Alex Ferguson to get his team selection right.
United did not get Wayne Rooney into the game enough, and the same could also be said of Robin van Persie, even though the Dutchman had a golden opportunity to score a second for the visitors, only to uncharacteristically mishit his volley.
Of the more significant selections, Shinji Kagawa did not have the impact intended. But Jonny Evans was excellent alongside Rio Ferdinand and Welbeck, despite scoring just once this season prior to Wednesday night’s game, was superb, putting United in front when he got the better of Sergio Ramos, and diligently plugging the gaps in midfield Real were so desperate to exploit.
“Danny was magnificent,” said Carrick.
“He has all the attributes to be a top player but probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves.”
That may be because his scoring record at United is not the best, even though he was England’s top scorer in 2012.
“If the team is winning, who is scoring is not such an issue.
“As a Manchester lad, he loves the place. He is genuine and gives everything.
“He worked so hard again and I am delighted for him.”
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