De Gea the fall-guy but United needs to fix both end as top four finish is now in jeopardy

At least four times this season, De Gea has made mistakes that resulted in goals. He has played a part in United's elimination from the Europa League during the past four weeks, and his domestic play may secure their continued participation in that competition in the coming season.

Victor Lindelof awkwardly shook hands with De Gea at full-time. Lukasz Fabianski encircled him with compassion. The goalkeeper De Gea was the farthest from the opposing end. Many of those who had stayed were obviously in a panic.

Many spectators in the press box covered their heads when the ball slipped through De Gea's gloves. Some were shocked, while others were sympathetic. After Said Benrahma made contact with the ball, some West Ham supporters moaned and lamented its apparent safety.

The goal was shown on the stadium's huge screens a few times, giving De Gea a somber debut of his gaffe in front of a large crowd.

Another egregious error in a season full of them, this one. Everton, Sevilla, Brentford, and now West Ham. De Gea's regression is so severe that his final-game performances are reminiscent of those from four years ago. He was promptly paid back then by United.

The three defenders surrounding Benrahma—Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw—almost dared him to fire. Daisies in a field would not have been cut by the ball if it had been rolling more quickly.

De Gea, a goalkeeper who has figuratively stood still over the past five years, let Benrahma's strike through because his feet were in the wrong place. He appeared to be a tail-ender who was confused by a slow delivery. Turning 180 degrees, De Gea's teammates all fixed their gaze on the center circle.

De Gea made additional mistakes with his feet. When he passed to an opponent to begin both halves, he made a mistake that allowed West Ham to shoot on sight. As a result of obstructing De Gea during a corner, Michail Antonio also had a goal disallowed. It is ironic that United and De Gea have talked about a new contract.

An uninterested audience was roused by Benrahma's score as they prepared to face AZ Alkmaar on Thursday in another European semifinal. Declan Rice will have attracted further attention with another impressive performance because he is determined to end his West Ham career with a trophy before a transfer is imminent. Casemiro received instruction from a younger opponent for the second straight game.

United's season, which had seemed destined to be great, is in risk of failing miserably. This was United's second chance this week to gain some breathing room and move up to third as Liverpool, now only a point behind in fifth, was breathing down their necks.

With their game in hand against Chelsea set for the penultimate Thursday of the season, United are miffed about being stuck with Thursday-Sunday slots in the Premier League. The toll of a demanding schedule and a dearth of talented team depth has been felt.

The squad mindset has also. Similar to Brentford, this mental capitulation lacked the avowed dominance of the London adversaries. The rapid offensive onslaught by United didn't start until there was a signal for extra time.

There's a reason why most oddsmakers anticipated United would finish outside the top four in August, and that still stands to reason. Erik ten Hag can always find a squad member who is more marketable than playable.

Again, United's wasteful forwards made a contribution. Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, and Antony all missed the goal. The upright was struck by the latter two. As United moved closer, West Ham scored unexpectedly. Wout Weghorst was the only United player to succeed in a clear shot on goal after 70 minutes had passed.

Weghorst came out of retirement for his first start since April 2 against Newcastle away, making this the third game in a row where United had a different face leading from the front.

United has two number nines with increased numbers; the team is preparing for the season sans Anthony Martial and Weghorst. They would have a world-beating athlete if they created a hybrid of the two. After his first inaccurate kick, the workhorse Weghorst rushed back into his own area to save De Gea.

Twelve minutes into the resumption, Weghorst was replaced by Martial to continue the cycle. The United fans cheered Weghorst enthusiastically, but regrettably, his record now reads a pitiful two goals in 27 appearances. The strongest attacking play came from Martial in the 91st minute, but Fabianski blocked his near post.

Even though United's attacking play has become more fluid under Ten Hag, they are still prone to static phases. Ten Hag pleaded with United to play the ball to the right side, but Wan-Bissaka was frequently the choice and is still a reticent attacker.

Angered to be replaced once more, Antony is still frequently one-dimensional, and Weghorst is more effective the further out he plays from goal. Rashford has scored five goals in his previous 17 outings, a dismal performance from a forward closing in on the 30-goal mark.

United was led out for their comeback by Fernandes, Lindelof, and Casemiro, pausing at the end of the tunnel for one more round of planning. Rashford spoke with De Gea, and Antony was given advice by Benni McCarthy, the strikers' coach, who may have to supervise more shooting drills.

Talk only; no deeds. In the second half, United played badly. They were awarded a corner in extra time, and De Gea did not even offer to go to the other side.

It's Time to go David De Gea

It's difficult to criticize a player who has showed such steadfast devotion to the team, but enough is enough. Next season, David De Gea just cannot be the starting goalkeeper.

He made a terrible error that led to Said Benrahma's first-half goal. At a team like Manchester United, the final line of defense ought to be safe, but De Gea is not.

This season, the Spaniard has made way too many errors that were his fault. Dave, it's been a pleasure, but now it's time to go.

A Striker is desperately needed

It is no secret that United is in serious need of a striker, but the sheer number of missed opportunities is outrageous. Before the Hammers scored the opening goal, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Christian Eriksen all came dangerously close.

Without a goalscorer, it is undoubtedly easier said than done to be more ruthless in front of goal.