De Gea: Why Brighton will be no pushovers

Brighton have surpassed many people's expectations this season after winning promotion and need three points from their last three fixtures to mathematically secure their Premier League status, though their run-in is tough, with away trips to Liverpool and Manchester City following Friday's clash with the Reds.

De Gea spoke to MUTV ahead of the fixture against the Seagulls and recalled the reverse fixture in November, when United edged out 1-0 winners at Old Trafford.

"I think it was a very close-run result, and what’s more it was at Old Trafford," said the Reds' no.1. "I think they are a good side, they defend well and don’t concede many goals. They are dangerous at set-pieces and they’ve got some quick players who can hit you on the counter-attack. They are a dangerous team."

He continued: "At the end of the day, a team that gets promoted and then the following season manages to stay up, that is fundamental. I think they’ve been having a good season; as I said, they are a side that concedes very few goals and they are strong defensively. I reckon they are a good team and they’ll make life very hard for us."

United are visiting the Amex Stadium for the first time on Friday. The 30,750-capacity ground has been Brighton's home for the last seven years and has proved a tricky destination for opposition clubs this season, with the Seagulls securing a prized victory against Arsenal and holding Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw. De Gea is looking forward to his first experience of playing there.

"It’s always a bit special turning out at a ground where you’ve never been or played before, so I’m keen and excited to see the stadium and being able to enjoy a good game," the keeper added. "Let’s hope that things go well for us and we put in a good performance and bring home the three points."

It has been a special week for the Spaniard, who picked up a record fourth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award on Tuesday night, and a clean sheet on Friday will keep him on course for another trophy for his collection, the Premier League's Golden Glove.

"I’ve said a few times that I could never have imagined winning even one award and now I’ve managed to pick up four of them," he said.

"I think I’m in really good form currently. I’ve matured a lot and gained in experience with the many games I’ve played. So yes, I’m pleased with how the games have gone and happy with everything, as you are when you’re performing well, and now it’s all about keeping at that level until the very end of the season."