De Gea aims to become a goalkeeping great
David De Gea is determined to defy his critics and become a Manchester United goalkeeping great like his hero Peter Schmeichel.
The £18.3million Spaniard has had his fair share of doubters since a summer switch from Atletico Madrid to Old Trafford.
But a stunning last-gasp save from Juan Mata's free-kick at Stamford Bridge last Sunday earned him headlines for very different reasons.
De Gea, still only 21, is young for a Premier League keeper.
He always knew he would have to adapt to the English game and earn the respect of his team-mates and United fans.
And he warned anyone who feels his stay at the Theatre of Dreams will become a shortlived nightmare to think again.
De Gea said: "I have every intention of spending many years at Manchester United. I want to go on to become a great United keeper and to earn and deserve respect. I want to help United make history."
De Gea added: "Peter Schmeichel was legendary and a role model for any keeper."
What De Gea has been working hardest to get used to is the more physical aspect of the Premier League and the blistering, shoot-on-sight style of football.
He added: "I think it is fair to say La Liga and the Premier League are the two best leagues in the world.
"But it's well known the style of play here is rather more physical and, as a goalkeeper, you have to be right on it. You have to be attentive all through the match.
De Gea knows there are going to be rough patches and admitted: "Let's face it, all goalkeepers make mistakes once in a while and none of us like it when we do.
"Errors happen but I've gone on to be more confident in myself."
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