David de Gea praises Man United’s defensive depth after keeping a fourth straight clean sheet

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has claimed “it doesn’t matter who’s playing” because of his defensive depth at centre-back after the recalled Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof helped the Red Devils keep a fourth straight clean sheet to stay.

United manager Erik ten Hag put Maguire and Lindelof in the starting XI against Bournemouth, while Lisandro Martinez – who has returned to the squad after the World Cup celebrations in Argentina – and Raphael Varane stayed on the bench.

The Red Devils clinched a 3-0 win over the Cherries at Old Trafford on Tuesday, giving them a fourth straight Premier League win and a ninth in ten games in all competitions.

David de Gea has praised Manchester United’s defensive depth after conceding another goal

Harry Maguire marked his first league start since October with a safe performance

Maguire and Lindelof were only starting for the fourth time in the season, with the former back in the XI for the first time since October.

De Gea has praised the club’s defensive depth, with Luke Shaw also being used successfully as a left centre-back in recent games.

“It is a good feeling [to keep a clean sheet]the whole team deserves it,” De Gea told MUTV.

“For example, we changed the centre-backs and they played really well, so it doesn’t matter who plays.

Victor Lindelof made only his fourth league start of the season by beating Bournemouth

“We feel like we’re a great team, everyone is in the same direction, playing and training 100 per cent, it’s great to see the team like this.

“It’s huge for us, it doesn’t matter who’s playing the game.

“Everyone is ready to play and the substitutions today were great too. I’m very happy with all the players, we’re doing really well.”

The result gave United their fourth consecutive clean sheet this season and their eighth in the Premier League – matching the club’s return last season.

Manchester United started 2023 with their fourth straight Premier League win

Leaders Arsenal were the last side to score in the Premier League at Old Trafford in September.

United’s defense have since ruled out Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

Ten Hag’s side have now kept a clean sheet in 10 of their last 14 games in all competitions.

Victory over Bournemouth cemented United’s place in the Champions League as they built a five-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham.

United are within a point of rivals and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City and are nine points behind leaders Arsenal.