Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has implied that Iker Casillas is the driving force behind the criticism David de Gea is enduring in Spain.
The Spanish No.1 has earned the reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world during his time at Old Trafford but the Spaniard has been unable to replicate that form for his national side.
De Gea, 28, struggled at the World Cup over the summer and has continued to struggle for Spain ever since, having stopped fewer than half the shots made against him after the tournament in Russia.
The Spaniard is also struggling in the Premier League of late having recorded only two clean sheets in 13 games. If United’s poor defensive form continues the shot-stopper will struggle to match the 23 clean sheets he recorded last season.
De Gea’s form between the sticks has led to harsh criticism in Spain but he’s been defended by teammates and Spain’s manager Luis Enrique.
Casillas recently offered to step into the fold if recalled, an offer which was pounced upon by Mourinho, who had a less than amicable relationship with the ‘keeper over the years. The Portuguese tactician implied that Casillas is behind the criticism in an interview with reporters.
“But why criticism in Spain? Do you know?” Mourinho said (via Goal). “I know. Because there is somebody very powerful that is thinking about jumping again, but I think it’s very difficult to jump when you have the best goalkeeper in the world in front of you.”
Mourinho, had a public falling out with Casillas when he was the manager at Real Madrid which led to him benching Casillas for Diego Lopez, which could explain the animosity today.
Mourinho has his own problems
Mourinho has his own problems to contend with at Old Trafford. He continues to make untoward comments about his players, most recently taking aim at the maturity of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw.
And he continues to get disappointing results. United dropped points again on Saturday in a goalless draw against Crystal Palace. The draw sees them fall 14 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and eight points adrift of a place in the top four.
The poor result has led to renewed calls from United fans and pundits for the Portuguese tactician to hand in his resignation as it’s becoming increasingly clear that he’s not the man to improve United’s fortunes.
United face FC Young Boys in a crucial tie in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
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