David de Gea's forgettable run of form has hit a new low after a disastrous showing in Manchester United's humbling 3-1 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The United goalkeeper was at fault for two of the Blues' goals at Wembley, with Harry Maguire's own goal capping off an equally poor game for the Red Devils' captain.
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De Gea was roundly mocked on social media after his lame attempt to stop Olivier Giroud's opening goal just before half-time.
However, the Spain international's biggest blunder came after the break when he let a Mason Mount shot from outside the box squeeze through him at the near post.
Low & hard from Mason Mount! 👊#EmiratesFACup #MUNCHE pic.twitter.com/8DZE2TnmWB
— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) July 19, 2020
The rot continued for United in the 74th minute when Maguire left de Gea wrong-footed after inexplicably diverting the ball into his own net.
Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty in the dying stages but it wasn't enough to spare United's embarrassment.
The criticism was particularly scathing towards de Gea - whose worrying dip in form has seen him commit a series of high-profile errors this season and last.
Once regarded as one of the best keepers in world football, fans are now calling for his axing from United, with Maguire also coming in for his fair share of criticism.
A DE GEA DISASTERCLASS...
— Idris Ibn Ibrahim (@Prostinator) July 19, 2020
They got a helping hand - or two... or three - but Lampard and his players still deserve enormous credit for executing their game plan so effectively. #MUNCHE
De Gea got to go man. Had to many chances now. Get him punted!
— PK (@PedzKeenan) July 19, 2020
De Gea has got to go that’s one mistake too many now, can’t be doing that at the top level and I’ve been so patientwith him waiting for him to get back into form but his time is up #MUNCHE
— Ciaran🏴🔰 (@Ciaranjayyy) July 19, 2020
De Gea been so costly when it’s mattered this season, surely got to go
— craig richardson (@cra1grichardson) July 19, 2020
Nothing but appreciation for De Gea considering he’s served 9 years at the club. But I’m sorry it’s time to go. I think we’ve got to risk it and have Dean Henderson as the main man next season. Even bring Romero at the forefront for a while and ease him into it. #mufc . https://t.co/FULbNSPYm8
— Oliver Alexander (@oliveractor_) July 19, 2020
De Gea has been very loyal to a very bad United side for years. But he can’t keep getting away with these horrible mistakes. He’s cost us too many times now.
— Michael Nihill (@mnihill) July 19, 2020
Maguire is a disgrace to the club and needs to be stripped off the armband
— bolu.TIFE (@___Tife) July 19, 2020
De gea was shockingly horrible and is visibly past his best
Marcus wasn't even in the game from the start
Ole...... i have no words 😔
Disgraceful from De Gea and Maguire today.
— HP (@harrypinero) July 19, 2020
De Gea reeks man he has got to go ffs
— Greenwood Stan Account (@oreayoiib) July 19, 2020
Maguire and De gea deserve to be playing in division 3 of the league in Kazakhstan. Their performances are beyond horrible. It's a nightmare to watch as a Manchester United fan. #MUNCHE
— Victor oguzie (@Oguzvic1) July 19, 2020
De Gea and Maguire pose for a photo after today’s game #MUNCHE pic.twitter.com/Zj2z78mDZW
— DJ Joe Mfalme (@DjJoeMfalme) July 19, 2020
Manager left to lament de Gea form
"David knows he should have saved the second goal but that's done now," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.
"It's hard for a keeper to make amends, apart from David making two or three fantastic saves after."
It summed up United's misfortune that the third goal in the 74th came from Maguire accidentally turning the ball past de Gea at the near post when under pressure from Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger.
With three years remaining on De Gea's contract, United have a quandary over the future of one of their highest-paid players who was once considered the world's top goalkeeper.
United earned a 19th spot kick of the season - converted by Bruno Fernandes in the 85th after Anthony Martial was fouled by Callum Hudson-Odoi - bit it could not spark a late comeback.
It means Frank Lampard's first season as Chelsea manager will end with an cup final against London rivals Arsenal - who beat Manchester City 2-0 a day earlier.
It will be a harder route to a second final in August, with Chelsea trailing 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16.
"We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves," Lampard, who won the FA Cup four times as a Chelsea player, said.
"But we can certainly enjoy the performance and the result."
In this pandemic-delayed conclusion to the season, Solskjaer is chasing continental glory through the Europa League with United.
Chelsea and United will be hoping to secure Champions League spots in the upcoming final week of the Premier League season - and not be relying on winning continental competitions to qualify.
with AAP