"This is just a witch hunt..." - Mark Goldbridge defends Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea after Sevilla horror show

Mark Goldbridge has leapt to the defence of David de Gea following the Manchester United goalkeeper's horror show against Sevilla.

De Gea, 32, produced one of the worst performances of his United career on Thursday night as his side were dumped out of the Europa League.

De Gea was at fault for two goals as Sevilla ran out 3-0 winners to claim a 5-2 aggregate victory over United in their quarter-final tie.

Just eight minutes into the second leg, De Gea played a risky ball to Harry Maguire, who was then caught in possession just outside his own box – allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to put the home side ahead.

De Gea was beaten for a second time shortly after the half-time break after failing to keep out Loic Bade's mistimed effort, which appeared to come off his shoulder.

Then in the final 10 minutes of normal time, De Gea horribly miscontrolled a high ball outside his area – giving En-Nesyri a simple finish to seal the win for Sevilla.

Goldbridge defends De Gea

De Gea was strongly criticised by United supporters on social media after the match, with some calling for the club to part ways with the Spaniard.

However, YouTuber and prominent United fan Goldbridge defended De Gea and claims he is being unfairly targeted.

"Price of not having a British Passport....All I've seen and heard this morning is anti De Gea," tweeted Goldbridge, alongside a series of stats about De Gea's performances in the Premier League this season.

"Yes he had a bad game but this is just a witch hunt."

De Gea is currently the highest-paid goalkeeper in world football, with the Spaniard earning £375,000 per week at Old Trafford.

He is out of contract in the summer and talks are ongoing over a new deal for the veteran, who has made 535 appearances for United since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

United have the option to extend his contract by a further year but want him to reduce his wages in order to remain at the club.

ESPN claim an agreement is close to being reached which would see the player extend his stay while taking a cut in his basic wage, but with larger performance-related incentives.