Brentford boss Thomas Frank denied his side targeted David De Gea’s kicking during the Bees’ defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Marcus Rashford’s first half goal ensured United got back to winning ways in the Premier League for the first time since lifting the Carabao Cup in February.
Erik ten Hag’s side dominated in the first half but Frank’s side improved considerably after the break and they nearly found an equaliser when Ivan Toney chased down a De Gea clearance.
That created nerves among the Spaniard, who had hesistated on the ball from a goal kick as Toney sprinted towards him.
While De Gea made a superb one-on-one save to keep a clean sheet, his kicking was questionable and invited pressure from the visitors.
Brentford are one of the best pressing teams in the division but they seemed particularly keen to close down De Gea after his stroke of good fortune against Toney.
But Frank denies his side specifically targeted De Gea and says they do the same to every team.
Questioned on whether he asked his players to target De Gea, Frank said: ‘No. I think in general, if you watch us play we normally go high, in the high pressure, we try to press all teams.’
‘That was the same with De Gea. It was like it was with Steele for Brighton last week. It is just the same game plan.’
De Gea made a superb stop to deny Kevin Schade, which was Brentford’s only shot on target during the defeat.
Frank says the save proves De Gea is one of the best in the world at shot-stopping.
‘I think we were a little more open with Schade and Josh (Dasilva)’ said Frank.
‘They had the power to go past people and Kevin we know he got a big chance. He got away from the defender with a top touch, but unfortunately in that situation…I think in that area, De Gea is one of the best in the world in one-on-one situations.’
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