“We want him to stay” – Ten Hag reacts after De Gea’s mistake vs West Ham

Manchester United continue to make life difficult for themselves in the race for a top-four place, throwing away a point in the second straight outing because of an individual mistake.

During mid-week, Luke Shaw’s raised arm handed Brighton a penalty, which Alexis Mac Allister converted to send the Red Devils away from the South Coast empty-handed.

The trip to London this afternoon was no better, with David de Gea seemingly in a generous mood in a 1-0 defeat against West Ham. The United No 1 misjudged Saïd Benrahma’s venom-less effort and could only get a hand on the ball before it met the back of the net and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

David de Gea’s mistake cost Manchester United against West Ham

United, who were on the top before the moment of embarrassment, lost all their confidence and never looked like they were going to get back into the game and register a rare win on the road. If anything, it was the Hammers who managed to put the ball into the net for the second time after the break. However, the goal was disallowed after De Gea was adjudged to have been fouled by Michail Antonio.

The defeat has intensified uncertainty over Champions League qualification, with Liverpool now just a point behind United, having played a game extra. But Erik ten Hag refused to express any anger over his goalkeeper’s performance in his post-match interview.

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He said: “Mistakes are part of football but as a team you have to deal with it and bounce back. Over the season, he [De Gea] is the one with the most clean sheets. Everyone has to take responsibility.”

Further, the Manchester United boss suggested the recent display will not have any impact on the Spaniard’s long-term future at Old Trafford. “We want him to stay and we want him to extend his contract,” Ten Hag told The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.