As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Man Utd boss Ten Hag tightlipped on De Gea absence for Cadiz defeat

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was tightlipped about the absence of David de Gea for last night's friendly defeat at Cadiz.

De Gea was expected to start against Cadiz on Wednesday night but Martin Dubravka has started in between the sticks.

Dubravka joined United on loan from Newcastle on deadline day and he made his debut for the club against Aston Villa in the League Cup last month, which is something Ten Hag discussed when asked why the Slovakian starts against Cadiz.

Ten Hag did not clarify why De Gea is absent from the squad and he said it was a chance for Dubravka to impress.

"He did very well against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup," Ten Hag told MUTV. "We have to challenge all of the players, so today he plays and it's a good opportunity for him to get minutes in the legs to show what he's capable of.

"I want to see pressing, clear. We want variations in pressing, high and low block, but it depends on the opponent. What we have seen in the analysis, they play quite direct, so we need to stick together and be compact all the time."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free