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DeGea has his (safe) hands on the future
Player of the Month, February 2012

According to many managers and players, February is one the crucial parts of the season as, while not part of the run-in, it can nevertheless shape the last few months of the campaign.

Manchester United came through some difficult tests last month and, should the title go back to Old Trafford, the points earned in February will have proven pivotal. If United go on and lift number 20 in May, then many could look back David DeGea’s performances last month as the moment when United notched up a gear in the title race.

The Spaniard was in superb form throughout February, earning United four points against Chelsea and Liverpool. Excellent performances against Ajax ensured United progressed to the round of 16 in the Europa League.

That DeGea produced arguably his best performances in his short career at United following one of his lowest moments – the defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup – speaks volume for the guy’s character and talent.

Often criticized during his first five months with the club, the former Atletico Madrid man has silenced the critics in style, showing why Fergie was ready to invest on him last summer.

United started February with a trademark comeback against Chelsea. Dead and buried at 3-0 with an hour gone, the Reds pulled level courtesy of a brace from Wayne Rooney and a late goal from Javier Hernandez, before DeGea stole the show in the stoppage time.

First he denied Mata, producing a stunning save to keep his countryman’s free-kick out and then repeated the feat on Gary Cahill’s long range pile-driver.

Next up were Liverpool at Old Trafford, a match United dominated and won but could have drawn had it not been for DeGea’s fantastic save from Glen Johnson’s shot in the dying stages of the game.

United then travelled to Amsterdam for the first leg of their Europa League clash against Ajax. The Reds kept the Dutch at bay thanks to a couple of excellent saves from DeGea who repeated the feat in the return leg at Old Trafford.

In the last game of the month, with United facing a tricky trip away to Norwich, DeGea was again in great form, denying Norwich on three occasions before eventually capitulating six minutes from time.

There was nothing the young Spanish could do about Grant Holt’s strike but, luckily for him and United, Ryan Giggs once again delivered the goods at the other end.

David DeGea’s has recently earned praise from Peter Schmeichel as the great Dane tipped him for a bright future hinting that proofs of DeGea’s qualities are there for all to see and, while the learning curve is still long, it was only a matter of time before DeGea would find his feet in English football.

The future looks in safe hands, as DeGea swept our Player of the Month award with the 42.67% of votes.

Team:

Premier League

P

W

D

L

GS

GC

Goal Diff.

3

2

1

0

7

5

+2

Europa League

P

W

D

L

GS

GC

Goal Diff.

2

1

0

1

3

2

+1

 

Daniele (@MUFC_dan87)