Manchester United title win would be down to David de Gea's 'utter brilliance', says Garth Crooks

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Jessica Morgan4 December 2017

Manchester United are capable of beating Manchester City to the title thanks to David De Gea’s ability, according to Garth Crooks.

The United shot-stopper had one of the best games of his career at Emirates Stadium during Saturday’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Arsenal.

The Spaniard kept the Gunners at bay with 14 saves, including a number of long-range stops from Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac, as well as a fine double block to deny Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez.

And Crooks believes second-placed United can win the League this term, but says whether they do so will hinge on De Gea’s performances.

He said: “If Manchester United win the title, it will be down to the brilliance of David de Gea. His performance against Arsenal was utterly breathtaking.

“The save after the ball inadvertently came off Romelu Lakaku’s leg and flew in the direction of his own net was unbelievable. However, it was the double save from Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez that turned the game for me. Had Arsenal equalised at that point, the outcome of this titanic tussle might have been very different.”

Jose Mourinho hailed him the 'best goalkeeper in the world' after his match-winning display upset Arsene Wenger’s side.

Stunning display: Dacid de Gea
AFP/Getty Images

While the 27-year-old was on the verge of signing for Real Madrid two years ago, Crooks believes Mourinho's influence at United has kept him at the northern club.

He added: “One manager later, and Champions League qualification, we have not heard a squeak from De Gea about wanting to return to Spain or Real Madrid for that matter.

“I wonder how much of that is down to the presence of a certain Jose Mourinho?”

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