Manchester United's unusual weakness is about to be solved by Erik ten Hag

When Manchester United visited St. James' Park in April, Newcastle were surprised to see David de Gea hesitant with the ball.

De Gea was ponderous when in possession and Newcastle, a team who ferociously press opponents, could smell blood. The hosts pushed high up the pitch in the final third and an experienced, senior goalkeeper looked increasingly vulnerable.

Newcastle made building from the back an arduous task for United and Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinz became frustrated, with De Gea unable to bypass the high press with his passing, which meant aimlessly playing it long.

Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here

ALSO READ: Man United to increase safe standing area at Old Trafford

Rather unsurprisingly, that eventually proved costly when De Gea lost the ball in the second half and Newcastle scored. Eddie Howe's side were deserving winners and it was later revealed they had drawn confidence from De Gea's hesitancy.

Speaking after the game, Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy admitted his team's press started whenever De Gea had the ball. He said the Spaniard's indecisiveness was 'unusual' and admitted he was surprised at how slow the build-up was.

Murphy suggested Newcastle knew they were going to have a 'good game' when seeing how uncomfortable De Gea was at the back. Many opponents must have felt the same throughout last season but they no longer have that weakness to target.

The final chapter of De Gea's time at Old Trafford has been written and his 12-year stay at the club has come to an end. The goalkeeper's departure was made official at the weekend and the amicable divorce has been welcomed.

There's no denying De