David de Gea believes competition between Manchester United goalkeepers is key to improving individually amid suggestions that Sergio Romero could replace him for tonight’s game against West Ham.
The Spaniard’s form has shrunk in recent months and many United fans have asked for Romero to replace him between the posts after his errors in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
Romero has not started a Premier League game since 2018 when he appeared in a 1-0 victory against Watford on the last day of the season, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regularly uses it in cup competitions.
Solskjaer backed De Gea after the loss to Chelsea, but declined to confirm whether he would start against West Ham.
“No, because I don’t want to talk about it,” he replied when asked if De Gea would start against West Ham. “We stay together as a group. Of course we will stay together as a group and, as I said, it is proven before we are mentally strong. We will stay together and see the team on Wednesday night.”
De Gea said in the game’s official game against the Hammers that competition between the club’s goalkeepers is imperative for improvement. Lee Grant, Nathan Bishop and Joel Pereira are currently training alongside De Gea and Romero.
“Yes, I think it is absolutely essential, and not only among the goalkeepers but throughout the team,” he said when asked if it is important to conduct each other.
“Boys who don’t show up so regularly should put pressure on those who play the most, to encourage them to get even better.”
“The five of us [the goalkeepers] they are training together right now they get along very well and there is a great atmosphere among all of us.
“I think it is vital to be able to train together in an atmosphere of trust between us. That is the key to being able to train well, enjoy company and work, and improve all the time as a group.”
De Gea also praised the addition of January Bruno Fernandes, who has had an instant impact after his move from Sporting Lisbon.
The 29-year-old believes that the Portuguese have made a difference both on the pitch and on him.
He added: “He is a very nice guy.
“He is a good boy, he is fun and he is always happy, smiling and optimistic. He also gives a positive energy to the group. He has a winning mentality, which I think is very important to us. It was a bit like a breath of fresh air for the team.
“Both on and off the field he is doing very, very well.”
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