Solskjaer secretive over De Gea absence against Crystal Palace

The Spanish shot-stopper surprisingly was omitted from the Red Devils’ matchday squad for the league outing on Wednesday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to explain David de Gea’s absence from Manchester United’s match against Crystal Palace.

Manchester United lost more ground in the title race after a 0-0 stalemate with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Having also played out a goalless draw against Chelsea, they now find themselves 15 points behind leaders Manchester City.

“That’s personal reasons,” Solskjaer replied when asked about De Gea’s absence prior to the match, via MUTV.

Asked again after the match, Solskjaer suggested that De Gea could be out for a while: “That’s a private matter. It’ll take the time it takes.”

Dean Henderson was given the nod to start between the sticks at Selhurst Park. It was only the fourth start Premier League start of the season for the 23-year-old but he put on a good performance, making a key save late in the game and earning a clean sheet.

The English international has featured sparingly this season but after last night’s display, could play more regularly.

“That’s a Man Utd goalkeeper, sometimes you have to keep concentrating. He’s growing in that position,” Solskjaer added on Henderson. “I thank him for one point and not zero.”