Reds ’keeper earns praise

CHRIS Smalling feels Sergio Romero took to the task of replacing David de Gea with ease on his Manchester United debut against Tottenham.

De Gea had to watch United’s 1–0 win over Spurs from the stands, because manager Louis van Gaal claimed the Spaniard was not in the right frame of mind to play due to a summer of speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

Romero (28) signed for United on a free transfer just two weeks ago, and put in a crucial block on Kyle Walker in the first half and saved twice from Christian Eriksen at the death to give United a winning start to the campaign.

“I think Sergio looked the part,” said Smalling. “He came out and commanded his box, which is what you want behind you as a defender.”

There was one hairy moment in the first half when Romero put Morgan Schneiderlin in danger with a poor pass, but otherwise Van Gaal couldn’t find fault with the Argentinian’s performance.

The Dutchman maintains he made the right decision in axing De Gea, who watched from the directors’ box next to unwanted goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

“We trained until Tuesday or Wednesday with David de Gea (in goal),” said Van Gaal.

“I wanted to keep him in the line–up, but in the end we decided not to do that because the goalkeeper’s position is more about concentration and focus than any other position.”

Walker inadvertently handed United the win when he stabbed the ball past Michel Vorm during a rapid counter from the hosts in the 22nd minute.