De Gea: United in ‘difficult situation’ after latest flop
NEWCASTLE: Goalkeeper David de Gea apologised to Manchester United supporters after his troubled side slumped to a dismal 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sit just two points above the relegation zone and have not won away since March after Matty Longstaff’s second-half winner for Newcastle.
De Gea admitted this is the toughest time he has experienced since moving to Old Trafford in 2011.
The Spaniard was at a loss to explain exactly why United are off to their worst start since 1989.
“Yes, it probably is the most difficult time since I’ve been here,” De Gea told Sky Sports.
“I don’t know. I don’t know what is happening, we cannot score even one goal in two games.
“It’s difficult to say something, sorry to the fans, we will keep fighting for sure. We will come back but at the moment we are in a difficult situation.
“The whole season has been not good, so keep going, keep fighting, and let’s see what happens in the next games.”
Solskjaer admitted United are suffering a confidence crisis.
“We’re disappointed. We did lack quite a few key players but that’s no excuse,” Solskjaer said.
“Some of the boys lack a little bit of composure and we don’t create enough chances to win a game of football.
“It’s my responsibility. I need to sort their heads out. Young boys lacking confidence, they need some help from experienced players and staff.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce admitted he didn’t know anything about Longstaff when he arrived on the club’s pre-season tour after being hired from Sheffield Wednesday.
“I thought who’s this ginger kid when we were in China. He’s been good in training,” Bruce said after finally securing his first win over United as a manager.
“It’s quite a story. I’ve been going 20 odd years and not been able to beat Manchester United and he’s done it straight away.”