The errors are the latest in a succession of mistakes over the past few years, with the 29-year-old seemingly a shadow of the ‘keeper who was once regarded as the best in the world.
A string of errors from De Gea have prompted calls for him to be replaced as first choice by Henderson, who is drawing praise for his showings on loan at Sheffield United.
His latest mistakes are just a few of many over the course of the season that have proved costly for United.
Awful night for the Spaniard
De Gea let Olivier Giroud’s close-range effort squirm through him in the closing stages of the first half.
United returned to the field early for the start of the second half but was just as sloppy. Diving to his left, De Gea let Mason Mount’s long-range strike go through his gloves.
Blues youngster Mount took aim from distance and looked to barely be able to believe it when he saw that De Gea had spilled the shot into the net.
The goalkeeper could do little about Harry Maguire’s own goal that gave Chelsea a third, with Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty proving little more than a consolation for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Former United defender Phil Neville also jumped-in to comment on the situation.
“He’s unrecognisable from the goalkeeper that won (club) player of the year four years out of five years. He’s making mistakes. A confident, assured, on-form De Gea saves all three (goals),” Neville said.
“If I was Solskjaer, then I would be worried because of his performance levels. They’ve dipped and his inconsistency is costing United games.”
Henderson continues to shine
De Gea’s downturn in form comes at a time when Henderson continues to excel on loan at Sheffield United. The 23-year-old has spent each of the past two season as first choice at Bramall Lane and Blades boss Chris Wilder is keen to have him back again next season.
However, Shearer says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should think twice before allowing the Englishman to leave the club again to compete with De Gea for the no. 1 shirt.
“If the goalkeeper makes one mistake, or possibly two, you think you should stick with him,” Shearer said on BBC. “But it keeps happening.
“I think you only bring Dean Henderson back to Manchester United as the number one, or you keep him where he is to keep gaining experience. I think that time has come.” He suggested.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted after the FA Cup defeat that he will stick with De Gea despite his latest errors.
“[David] knows he should save that one 100 times out of 100 but that’s football for you,” said Solskjaer.
“It is done. Move on. I know he is a mentally strong person and goalkeeper.”
De Gea signed a massive contract to remain at Old Trafford recently, however his poor form seems to have coincided with the new deal.
