Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comes out fighting in defence of embattled goalkeeper David de Gea

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer threw a protective arm around David de Gea as his embattled goalkeeper came under scrutiny once again on Tuesday.

Solskjaer faced more questions over De Gea in the build-up to Wednesday’s Premier League clash with West Ham at Old Trafford following the Spaniard’s error-strewn display in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

Last month Solskjaer backed De Gea after a mistake against Tottenham by describing him as the best goalkeeper in the world, but on this occasion he was more concerned about shielding the 29-year-old from more criticism.

David de Gea was at fault in Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the press conference was not just going to be about his keeper

The United boss must decide whether to keep faith with De Gea against West Ham and the final Premier League game at Leicester on Sunday or turn to his No 2 Sergio Romero as they fight for Champions League qualification.

‘David is mentally strong enough to know his job is to perform in training the next day and be ready for the games,’ said Solskjaer.

‘That’s your job to talk about and write about, and my job is to prepare a team for West Ham. 

De Gea allowed Mason Mount’s long-range effort past him as the lead was doubled 

Sergio Romero could yet come in and start in goal if Solskjaer drops under-fire De Gea

‘We’re not going to talk about individuals because no one here will feel we put more pressure on them.

‘This is not going to become a David de Gea press conference, we’re just going to stick together and stay strong. 

‘There are two games to go and we’ve given ourselves a good chance.’

Eric Bailly will miss the West Ham game after suffering concussion in the 3-1 defeat by Chelsea. The Ivorian spent Sunday night in a London hospital and returned to the club on Monday, but safety protocols will rule him out.

To add insult to injury Harry Maguire put one past his own goalkeeper to make it 3-0 

‘Eric stayed down in London and he’s done all the checks,’ said Solskjaer. ‘I didn’t see him yesterday but he’s followed the protocols that are needed.

‘I don’t think he’ll be ready for this game, but I’ve not seen him this morning yet. I think everyone is available apart from that.’

Solskjaer backed his team to bounce back from their first defeat in 20 games in all competitions as they compete with Chelsea and Leicester for a top-four finish.

‘When you lose a game you’re hurt and disappointed but you focus on the next thing,’ he added. ‘Defeat is not the end of the world. It was the end of the FA Cup dream and final, but it’s business as usual and onto the next game.

‘We’ve had so many setbacks as a club. We’ve lost games before and now we have to put on a performance.

Eric Bailly suffered a concussion against Chelsea and was taken off on a stretcher

The injury will mean the Ivorian misses the West Ham clash to adhere to the medical protocol

‘So far we’ve done really well after the restart. If we can get through unbeaten that’s the Champions League next year. All eyes are on West Ham. We know their threats and we’ve just got to focus on that one.’

Even if United fail in their quest for Champions League qualification – they have another route via the Europa League next month – Solskjaer still believes the club will be an attractive proposition for transfer targets because of the progress it has made.

‘Always you want to be a part of the best tournaments and teams, but then again Man United is attractive enough,’ he said. ‘I think everyone can see now we’re on a journey towards something better. I think so, anyway. It’s in our own hands.

‘I don’t want to talk about how much it will mean financially to attract people. We just have to focus on these next two games and make sure we’re there.’