De Gea criticised for 'embarrassing and inexcusable' reaction to Fred foot stamp

And former England international Trevor Sinclair believes new interim manager Ralf Rangnick might consider axing the Spaniard for good.

With Rangnick in the stands, the Red Devils overcame a bizarre moment when Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring, eventually sealing a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Gunners on Thursday night.

But the first goal continues to cause controversy, as Arsenal were allowed to score with De Gea down and facing the wrong way.

Referee Martin Atkinson blew his whistle after Smith Rowe's long-range effort crossed the line - and a VAR review proved De Gea's foot was trodden on by his own teammate Fred.

Therefore, with no foul taking place, there was no reason why the goal should not stand.

Some have argued the referee might've stopped the game for a serious injury if De Gea was spotted on the ground sooner, which would've prevented the unopposed Smith Rowe strike.

But with the Spaniard back on his feet moments later, the decision to let the game continue and award the goal ultimately proved correct.

And ex-Manchester City winger Sinclair believes the only thing to blame for the goal is De Gea's lack of courage.

"They got it right," Sinclair said. "We've all been smashed in the ankle, it's not going to get any worse.

"You can get back to your feet, wait for the ball to go out of play, then get the assistance you need medically.

"I can't believe how lacking in bravery De Gea is. I'm really disappointed, his teammates will be disappointed, the coaching staff and all the fans will be disappointed.

"Sometimes when you go on the pitch, you've got to take a bit of pain - and that wasn't good enough.

"And he's cost his team a goal because the shot from Smith Rowe wasn't great."

He continued: "With Ralf [Rangnick] coming in, wanting to play a high line, I think he's going to have to be sweeper keeper.

"So De Gea's time at Man United is probably going to end quite shortly."

He added: "For me, that's a little acid test, how big's your heart? And he's let them down."

Meanwhile, talkSPORT host Jason Cundy was also left staggered by De Gea's reaction to the contact from Fred.

The former Chelsea striker told talkSPORT: "I saw him lying down and I'm thinking, 'This has got to be bad'.

"I missed what happened. I'm thinking, 'He must've twisted his knee'.

"For him to be lying in his goal, back to play, facing the ground? That's embarrassing!

"The fact it wasn't a bad injury is even more embarrassing for De Gea. Get yourself up!

"He's laying down on the goalline, facing the opposite way. Think about that. As a goalkeeper!

"It's inexcusable."

He added: "We've all had our foot stood on. It hurts. It hurts just as much standing up as it does lying on the goalline."