Manchester United keeper David de Gea described the Red Devils’ Carabao Cup Final victory as the “perfect day” after he lifted the trophy and broke a club record all in the space of 90 minutes.
The Spaniard has now managed 181 shutouts for United, overtaking Peter Schmeichel by keeping the most clean sheets in the Club’s existence, etching his name in the history books.
De Gea was on hand to produce some big saves. He denied Allan Saint-Maximin from close range in the first period – a stop which proved to be crucial as just moments later, Erik ten Hag’s side went down the other end of the pitch and opened the scoring.
“It’s not easy to keep a clean sheet at a Final,” he explained. “To break a record and win the cup, I can’t say more than that. It’s the perfect day.
“It’s always good to keep a clean sheet at a Final against a good team as well. The feeling is great. I made a couple of good saves, especially that one in the first half.”
⭐️ In a league of his own ⭐️@D_DeGea has now kept the most clean sheets in United history 🤯⛔️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/i1bYPwNQEK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2023
The 32-year-old was a part of the side that beat Southampton in the 2017 EFL Cup Final and after a lengthy wait, United added to their trophy cabinet with the Carabao Cup.
According to the long-serving stopper, who arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2011, believes it’s just the start for United, who came into the Wembley showpiece fresh off the back of a 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Europa League in midweek.
“It’s been emotional,” he added. “It’s been a long time for the Club. Today, we showed again how big this Club is. The fans were amazing. The atmosphere in the dressing room is really good.
“We won the trophy and I’m proud of the team; I think we did a really good job today. We have to keep going. We have a game on Wednesday again. I’m so, so happy.”
Tonight, the players and fans alike will soak in the moment but today’s victory could be a catalyst for more.
“Now, we have to enjoy the moment but we have to be focused because we have a lot to play for,” he affirmed. “We need to go and try to win some more trophies.”