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Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea enjoyed a “perfect day” on Sunday as his club defeated Leeds 2-0 at Elland Road to continue their fine run of form.
The number one was at his usual best to keep out several Leeds strikes, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho scoring the goals for the visitors to clinch all three points. Erik ten Hag’s men currently sit third in the Premier League table, just two points behind rivals Man City.
Man Utd goalkeeper breaks Premier League records
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While Sunday represented an important victory for Man Utd, it also marked a significant moment for their goalkeeper De Gea, who became the first non-British player to play 400 Premier League matches for one club.
Moreover, the Spaniard became the first goalkeeper in Premier League history to make 400 appearances for the same club. The Man Utd number one was delighted with the records, but explained that securing all three points was the most important issue.
“Today wasn’t about the 400, it was about winning the game,” De Gea said after the match, as reported by LiveScore. “We did it, so now I can enjoy the 400 Premier League games. It’s great to come here and play like we did today, a clean sheet, three massive points… it’s a perfect day.”
De Gea among world’s best?
De Gea has certainly not always been viewed in a positive light by many Man Utd fans, with the goalkeeper strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford on a handful of occasions over the years.
Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were linked with his signature at times, but a move failed to come to fruition, and Man Utd fans will be extremely grateful that their number one stayed at the club.
He has undoubtedly had his nervy moments in goal, but the shot-stopper has more than proved himself time and again, and is now back to being one of the top goalkeepers in world football.
The club legend is behind only Ryan Giggs (632) and Paul Scholes (499) in the list of players with the most Premier League matches for Man Utd.
Maguire labels De Gea a Man Utd legend
Club captain Harry Maguire was full of praise for his goalkeeper, with the Spaniard an “absolute legend” in the eyes of the centre-back.
The defender was handed a rare start by Ten Hag in Sunday’s game with Leeds, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane rested from the start ahead of the upcoming Europa League clash with Barcelona. Maguire played a key role, however, as Man Utd kept a clean sheet, with the defender praising the man behind him.
“To play 400 games as number one for this club, it’s probably the most scrutinised position in world football,” said Maguire. “That just shows how good he is. Over the years, he’s been an absolute legend for this club and he’s still performing at the highest level.
“He’s world-class, he’s proven that this season and he will continue to do that. It’s a pleasure to play in front of him.”
Academy graduates proving decisive on the fiercest stage.
United, that. #MUFC || #LEEMUN pic.twitter.com/L6hQhrYRZD
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 12, 2023
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