Gary Neville believes that David De Gea's Manchester United woes are partly down to the goalkeeper's awful display for Spain at the 2018 World Cup.
La Furia Roja were dumped out of the competition two years ago by hosts Russia in the Round of 16 with the 29-year-old making just one save in four games.
The shot-stopper endured a barrage of criticism and abuse from the Spanish fans and media shortly afterwards, something that Neville blames for his decline in form since then.
Speaking on Sky Sports about De Gea's downfall, the Old Trafford hero said: "I think De Gea for three or four years was the best goalkeeper in the world - certainly the best in the Premier League.
"He won the player of the year here and in a very difficult period post-Sir Alex Ferguson, he was the shining light, but since that 2018 World Cup he's had a really difficult time.
"Manchester City's Ederson and Liverpool's Alisson are better goalkeepers [than De Gea] and they have been for the last 18 months, two years - but I'd expect Ole to defend his player."
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