'De Gea bottled it!' - Scholes slams Man United keeper's howler

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League in Germany, but it was the goalkeeper that left Scholes fuming the most about.

Paul Scholes reckons David de Gea ‘bottled it’ and ‘was scared of getting hurt’ in Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

The loss in Germany sent United down to the Europa League after finishing third in Group H behind last season’s semi-finalists Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain.

Some poor defending allowed Angelino to put Leipzig in front in only the second minute of the match. The full-back, on loan from Manchester City, then set-up Amadou Haidara to volley the ball past De Gea.

But it was Justin Kluivert’s goal, Leipzig’s third on the night, which left Scholes most upset.

While Harry Maguire was arguably at fault as well, the way De Gea turned his back as he challenged Kluivert led Scholes to accuse the goalkeeper of not putting his body on the line for the team.

“He bottles it, doesn’t he?” the Red Devils legend told BT Sport.

“Basically, he’s scared of getting himself hurt. It should never go across the box.

“Maguire looks wooden, stiff but De Gea as a goalkeeper has to come out and make himself as big as he can.”

Bruno Fernandes’ penalty and an own goal from Ibrahima Konate in the last 10 minutes sparked hope of a miracle comeback. But Leipzig held on to secure a memorable win. Maguire later conceded United paid the price for a slow start.

"We've got to look at ourselves."

"You can't defend crosses, you're going to lose matches."

Man Utd captain Harry Maguire spoke to @andymay after a disappointing 3-2 loss at RB Leipzig. pic.twitter.com/RjhXGoR5fJ

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 8, 2020