EPL

De Gea enjoys 'perfect day' as Leeds shut out on history-making 400th Premier League outing

By Sports Desk February 12, 2023

David de Gea enjoyed a "perfect day" as he marked becoming the first non-British player to play 400 Premier League games for one club with a clean sheet in Manchester United's win at Leeds United.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho guided Erik ten Hag's men to a 2-0 victory over managerless Leeds just four days after their old rivals earned a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

De Gea also became the first goalkeeper in Premier League history to make 400 appearances for the same club on Sunday, and he marked the occasion with multiple big saves to deny Crysencio Summerville.

Only Ryan Giggs (632) and Paul Scholes (499) have played more Premier League games for United than De Gea, but he did not allow himself to enjoy the occasion until the points were secure.

"Today wasn't about the 400, it was about winning the game. We did it, so now I can enjoy the 400 Premier League games," he told Sky Sports.

"It's great to come here and play like we did today, a clean sheet, three massive points… it's a perfect day."

Defender Harry Maguire heaped praise on his team-mate for his achievement, saying: "To play 400 games as number one for this club, it's probably the most scrutinised position in world football. 

"That just shows how good he is. Over the years, he's been an absolute legend for this club and he's still performing at the highest level. 

"He's world-class, he's proven that this season and he will continue to do that. It's a pleasure to play in front of him."

Club captain Maguire returned to partner Luke Shaw at the heart of a much-changed United backline after falling down the pecking order under Ten Hag, making just his fifth league start this season.

Maguire, however, says his own lack of game time is unimportant in the context of United's impressive campaign. 

"Winning the game is most important; it's not about myself. I'm the captain of the team and I put the team miles above myself," he said.

"Whether I'm playing or not, I want the team to do well and be successful. It's been a good season up to now, still a lot to improve and the big games are coming, but it's a good one for the fans."

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    Although Juve are the only team in the Italian top-flight who remain unbeaten, Motta's side lie sixth in the standings with 21 points after six draws in 11 games. Torino are 10th with 14 points.

    A victory on Saturday would give Juventus an advantage, bringing them closer to leaders Napoli and second-placed Inter, who face each other on Sunday.

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    Motta, whose side drew 1-1 at Lille on Tuesday, said he is aware of what the rivalry means to the people of Turin ahead of his first 'Derby della Mole' as Juve coach.

    "There are good feelings because I see the team doing well with the usual right attitude. There is a special atmosphere with our fans, and we want to give our best to play a great match," he told reporters.

    "The importance of a derby is that the city lives it in an intense way, we will have to do our best to play a great game. Derbies, in general, are beautiful matches to play. Here I felt exactly that, and we will try to give great joy to our fans.

    "The team is physically fine. We had three days of recovery and this makes the difference. I see the team and I have faith in everyone's commitment. Tomorrow we will enter the game at 200%."

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    "Nico Gonzalez won't be there. Adzic also had a problem and will need to be evaluated. He won't be there tomorrow."

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    Ruud van Nistelrooy has challenged Manchester United to be ruthless, with the interim boss saying Old Trafford has less of a fear factor after their recent results.

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    Leicester, meanwhile, come into the encounter at Old Trafford after snatching a point late on against 10-man Ipswich Town, with Jordan Ayew netting in the second half stoppage time.

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    PLAYERS TO WATCH

    Manchester United – Bruno Fernandes

    Fernandes has been involved in eight goals in seven starts against Leicester in all competitions (four goals, four assists), netting twice against the Foxes in last month’s EFL Cup meeting.

    He has also created more chances (15) than any of his United team-mates in the Premier League this term, with his creative edge needed to unlock the Leicester defence.

    Leicester City – Jordan Ayew

    Only Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran (four) has scored more goals as a substitute in the Premier League this season than Ayew (two).

    Both of the Ghanaian’s strikes have come in his last two away games, and both in second half stoppage time (winner against Southampton, equaliser against Ipswich).

    MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

    United have lost just two of their last 17 Premier League games against Leicester (W10 D5), with those defeats coming consecutively in May and October 2021.

    The Red Devils have also scored in each of their last 28 top-flight games against Leicester, since a 1-0 loss in January 1998. In their Premier League history, only against Arsenal have they ever had a longer scoring streak (30 between 1953 and 1968).

    United have won 16 of their last 18 Premier League games against promoted sides (D2), since a 1-4 loss to Watford in November 2021, and will be hopeful of continuing to get their season back on track.

    Their 12 points this season is the club’s lowest return after 10 top-flight games in a season since 1986-87 (eight), while their nine goals scored is their lowest at this stage since 1973-74 (also nine).

    Leicester, meanwhile, have won just one of their last 14 Premier League away games against United (D3 L10), picking up a 2-1 victory in May 2021.

    But the Foxes are one of two teams – along with Man City – to have scored in all 10 of their Premier League games so far this season. Only in 2018-19 (first 11) and their 2015-16 title winning campaign (17) have they had a longer streak from the start of a season in the competition.

    OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

    Manchester United – 65.1%

    Draw – 18.8%

    Leicester City – 16.1%

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