Mistake by De Gea costs Man Utd dearly in loss to West Ham

Manchester United lost 1-0 to West Ham on Sunday, and their season is in danger of imploding as a result of David De Gea's horrendous goalkeeping error.

Prior to a few days ago, United was considered a strong favorite to finish in the top four of the Premier League. However, they are currently in serious trouble, and the Hammers have moved closer to safety.

The outcome was determined by a disastrous first-half mistake by David De Gea, who allowed a soft shot from Said Benrahma to slip past him in the 27th minute after his team had largely dominated the first half.

De Gea's error occurred the same day that he passed Alex Stepney to become the goalkeeper with the most appearances for Manchester United. He made his 540th appearance on that day.

Arsenal's 2-0 victory over third-place Newcastle earlier in the day gave United some motivation before their loss at Brighton on Thursday. However, United was hurt by giving up a last-second penalty.

Although they still have a game in hand, they are now only one point ahead of Liverpool in the race to make it into the Champions League for the upcoming season.

With four league games remaining, a disappointed Erik ten Hag defended his struggling goalie while asserting that his team still had control over this season's outcome.

"Mistakes are part of football, and in this team you have to deal with it and bounce back because it's a team sport," United manager told BT Sport.

"He is the player with the most clean sheets for the season, and we did it together. Everyone must accept responsibility because it's football and anything can happen.

West Ham is currently seven points above the relegation zone and will play in this week's semifinal of the Europa Conference League.

At the London Stadium, United got off to a strong start with top scorer Marcus Rashford hitting the outside of the post in the 17th minute.

De Gea mistake

Benrahma's errant long-range shot, however, managed to elude the sprawling De Gea as West Ham unexpectedly took the lead.

The Spaniard appeared to have it under control, but his footwork did not look good, and even though he reached for the ball, his hand was insufficiently strong.

He was confused by what had happened as he lay face down on the playing surface as West Ham celebrated.

De Gea has had a mixed season, leading the race for the golden glove for the most Premier League clean sheets but also making some expensive mistakes.

In the 32nd minute, the vivacious Antony's strong shot was deflected behind the goal and onto the woodwork.

Ten Hag's squad, who have just 49 goals this year—the second-lowest total among the top nine—managed 11 shots in the first half, but only one of them found the target.

Before a significant penalty appeal for handball against Victor Lindelof was turned down by referee Peter Bankes as time ticked down to halftime, De Gea denied Benrahma a second goal.

Early in the second half, West Ham had the ball again in the net, but Michail Antonio had fouled David De Gea, and the referee blew for the foul.

Tomas Soucek headed the ball into the United goal with less than 20 minutes remaining as the team was in serious trouble, but the officials once more came to their team's rescue by disallowing the goal for offside.

Ten Hag tried everything, substituting Anthony Martial for the ineffective Wout Weghorst with Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer, but they were unable to find a way back.

In spite of the fact that West Ham is not mathematically safe, manager David Moyes praised the "huge character of his side" and claimed it would be difficult for teams below them to catch them.

"The number isn't confirmed that it keeps you in the Premier League, so we have to look forward to the next game and try and pick up more points," he said.