Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea came in for criticism from an unusual source this week.
While Manchester City were busy winning the Champions League against Internazionale, their boss Pep Guardiola took some time out to mention the Spanish goalkeeper.
Asked about their opponent Inter Milan's playing style before the final, City boss Guardiola mentioned De Gea and United playing long balls from the back.
"The back five [for Inter] are wide, when you make a switch of play it's more difficult to get it, with five it's more difficult," Guardiola said.
"Inter is not just the strikers and five at the back – the keeper for a long time we didn't see something like this with Onana.
"It's difficult when you have that keeper to high press properly. If you are man-to-man they link to the striker with [Romelu] Lukaku, Lautaro [Martinez] and [Edin] Dzeko, they are masters of keeping the ball.
"With United, for example, it's long ball, with Rashford and the other one, they don't keep it. These guys [Inter] they keep it. And after they link it they run. That's why you've got to think about what to do.
"With the ball, wow, they [Inter] are really, really, really good, that is why they are in the Champions League final."
wowadeku
185
You must mention Man Utd to be famous.. Man Utd is something bigger and we all know that
Iron-U
17
Well, Pep said the truth, United do not have players who could hold the ball, dribble comfortably and pass the ball, they are always in a hurry to pass, attack and defend... Defending quick could be good but holding the ball gives you more opportunities to find the right passes. That's why TenHag wanted De Jong, Pep is a master, and their first goal against United in the FA final wasn't a mistake, it was well-planned and executed, knowing that De Gea must times is absent-minded in goal. In Big matches, Pep uses elements of surprises. Ten Hag is building and that's why Glazers should leave for someone who would support the coach in getting the players he needs, who can do different things for him. Every player at Man City today was brought in by Pep, (Maybe Except Debruny if I m not mistaken) I am sure he bought John Stone from Everton, one of his earlier signings. So Pep knows the weakness of every team, most especially united whom Mouriho and Ole used to flog him sometimes, especially Ole, Ole seldom lost to Pep, that could be one of his outstanding achievement as a coach, Pep has beaten any other coaches front and back including Sir Ferguson With his Messi Barcelona team.