De Gea has Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's full backing

The Reds' no.1 was beaten by a powerful drive from Steven Bergwijn for Spurs' opener, but it was only the second goal he has conceded in his last seven outings. The other was a freak at Everton, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin charging the Spaniard's clearance down, but two clean sheets against Manchester City, and another at Chelsea, during this period should tell you everything you need to know about the 29-year-old.

De Gea has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year trophy four times and also been included in the PFA's Team of the Season on five occasions since joining the Reds from Atletico Madrid.

Soon after conceding to Bergwijn, the Spain international pulled off a fabulous save to deny Son Heung-min a second Spurs goal and Solskjaer feels that there should be no questioning of the keeper following the lengthy break due to lockdown.

"David is the best goalkeeper in the world," enthused Ole at his press conference ahead of Wednesday's visit of Sheffield United. "He’s conceded two goals in the last seven games he’s played for us. There are a few games against City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton. Two goals in seven games. 

“He’s been on a run of not conceding goals. The two goals? The Everton one is a freak one and this one, maybe he can save it, maybe he can’t save it. He makes great saves and wins games for us and I still think he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s not making errors that you see time and time again.

“I’m really happy with his work. David is working consistently hard in training and I’m happy with his work."

The manager has regular chats with his player and knows he has the mentality required to silence his critics. After all, it is something he had to do in his early days in Manchester and he has long since proved his exceptional qualities.

“I speak to David," said the boss. "He’s been at United now for nine years - next year is his 10th season. He’s developed into a mature keeper. For me, the best keeper in the world.

“He’s had some fantastic seasons. I don’t think it’s a bad run when you concede two goals in seven games against the teams we’ve played against. He’s made some match-winning saves. He saved a point for us against Tottenham with the save straight after the goal.

“He’s a mentally very strong keeper. I speak to him every day."

The keeper will know he has the full backing of the Reds fans as well as he continues to rise up the table of overall appearance-makers for the club.

Last Friday's outing at Spurs drew him level with European Cup-winner Nobby Stiles on 395 games and he is poised to move into the top 30 of all time in his own right by matching Steve Coppell's tally on Wednesday. 

At the other end at Old Trafford, Sheffield United will be without on-loan Reds goalie Dean Henderson due to Premier League restrictions on players facing their parent clubs.

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